Whatever the outcome of Israel's election, Netanyahu's policies toward Palestinians will likely endure

Even if Israel's upcoming election results in Benjamin Netanyahu's political exit, his policies toward Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are expected to persist. Israelis generally support his expansion of settlements and oppose a Palestinian state. Despite hopes that Netanyahu's successors would curb settler violence, they oppose a two-state solution.

Large groups of armed settlers routinely defy Israeli military orders, displace Palestinians, and seize more land. In Jalud, West Bank, settlers forced a family out of their home and burned it down, despite an Israeli court's order to return them. Israel's military has struggled to control settlers, but they have gained significant territory following Netanyahu's 17-year rule.

Israel views the West Bank as essential for a Jewish homeland and has learned from past attempts to dismantle settlements. If Netanyahu is replaced, the opposition may still find it challenging to present a viable alternative to the current security strategy.