From Gaza to Ramallah, Palestinians see little hope in Israeli vote changing their lives

In the war-torn Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, many Palestinians are more concerned with the potential impact of Israel's election results rather than who will win. Whether incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu retains power with his far-right allies or centrist rival Gadi Eisenkot emerges victorious, few expect any significant changes.

Huda al-Houli, a displaced resident of Khan Yunis, fears the elections might bring an even worse leader, citing more destruction and devastation for Gaza. Similarly, Ahmed Awad, a 67-year-old man from Ramallah, believes a change in leadership will not fundamentally alter policies towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With 85% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's camp leads but without a clear majority, leaving uncertainty over the country's next government.

The election comes after years of right-wing and far-right rule marked by the Gaza war and increased settler violence in the West Bank. Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival, with several options open, including seeking the defense portfolio to push for Gaza's population expulsion. A government led by Eisenkot, a former army chief, might rein in the pro-settlement far-right, ease pressure on the Palestinian Authority, and adopt a more flexible approach to aid and a ceasefire in Gaza.

However, researcher Beth Oppenheim of the European Council on Foreign Relations warns against expecting transformative changes, as major issues such as Palestinian statehood and the peace process have largely faded from Israeli political discourse since October 7. A renewed Netanyahu coalition with far-right partners is unlikely to result in major policy shifts, including settlement expansion and impunity for settler violence.