Netanyahu has repeatedly affirmed his intention to lead Likud in the October 27 Knesset election and has stated privately he would remain party leader and opposition head even in defeat. Recent polls show his bloc hovering near or slightly below the 61-seat majority threshold, with challengers including Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party running competitively, yet no public signals or internal moves point toward withdrawal. The Knesset completed its full term, candidate lists closed in early September, and coalition partners continue coordinating ahead of surplus-vote agreements. Traders assign very low odds to an exit by late September because Netanyahu’s track record favors contesting the vote and potential post-election coalition negotiations rather than stepping aside.