Israel's elections: What would a new government change?

Israel will hold a national election on Tuesday, marking the first national vote since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party may emerge victorious, but polls suggest opposition candidates are also in a strong position. No single party is expected to gain a majority, meaning a coalition government is likely.

Voters will be focused on security and economic issues. Palestinian citizens, who cannot vote, are also watching to see if a government less inclined towards right-wing policies could take power.

Under Netanyahu's leadership, the West Bank has seen a rise in settler violence and land seizures. In Gaza, a post-ceasefire plan has largely stalled as Israel has refused to withdraw forces, while Hamas has yet to disarm. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher speaks to Shira Efron, a distinguished chair for Israel policy at the non-profit Rand, and Xavier Abu Eid, a Palestinian political scientist, to explore whether there are viable alternatives to Netanyahu and his party. They discuss what a potential change in government would mean for both Israelis and Palestinians.