Will this election mark the end of the road for Netanyahu?
Despite major headwinds, analysts predict PM could still retain power, citing centrality of 'identity politics' and the opposition's failure to capitalize on public anger over Oct. 7
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of pushing Iran escalation ahead of the country's election, according to reports. This allegation comes after a clash between Netanyahu and Israel's army chief, Eyal Zamir, over an instruction that Zamir believed could provoke a military confrontation with Iran just days before the vote.
Sources claim senior military officials were concerned that Netanyahu's political team was exploiting the Iranian issue to gain electoral advantage. Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz both denied the report, with Katz stating that Israel has no intention of attacking Iran before the election. Opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of attempting to manipulate the election for political gain.
Meanwhile, a report by women's magazine LaIsha predicts a significant drop in women's representation in the next Knesset, with only 31 women expected to be elected - a decrease from previous elections. Additionally, around 90,000 Israelis living abroad have returned to vote, a substantial increase from previous periods, which is believed to be linked to the approaching elections.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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