Benjamin Netanyahu has historically centered his political campaigns on the argument that he is the only leader capable of ensuring Israel's national security. This strategy has often involved framing his political opponents as weak or ideologically unfit to handle the country's defense needs. As Israel prepares for elections following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, this approach is being re-evaluated by political observers.

The Times of Israel suggests that Netanyahu’s playbook remains consistent, noting that he continues to label his rivals as left-wing while positioning himself as the essential protector of the state. According to this perspective, the opposition has struggled to develop a counter-narrative that effectively challenges his security credentials, potentially allowing him to retain power despite the current climate.

Conversely, France24 reports that Netanyahu’s traditional security-based campaign may be losing its effectiveness. While acknowledging his status as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, the outlet questions whether his promise of safety still resonates with voters in the same way it has in previous elections. The coverage highlights that the current war in Gaza has created a new political reality that may diminish the impact of his established campaign tactics. While both outlets agree on the nature of Netanyahu's historical strategy, they differ on the current viability of that strategy, with the Times of Israel emphasizing his continued political resilience and France24 questioning the efficacy of his messaging in the current electoral cycle.