Israel Will Remain Ferocious Whoever Wins | David M. Weinberg

As Israelis prepare to vote in a tightly contested election, Misgav’s David M. Weinberg argues that the country’s new, more aggressive security doctrine will remain unchanged, whoever becomes prime minister. Despite bitter political divisions, he says Israelis are increasingly united on the need to confront Iran, Hamas and other regional threats.

It’s the final day of campaigning in Israel, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition assured of a parliamentary majority. President Donald Trump has renewed his endorsement of Netanyahu, while opposition frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot has accused the prime minister of being prepared to stop at nothing to stay in power.

Israel faces two diplomatic setbacks after elections in Brazil and Serbia. President Lula da Silva has won re-election, dashing hopes of restoring relations with Jerusalem, while the defeat of Aleksandar Vučić raises questions about Serbia’s crucial defence partnership with Israel.

Defence Minister Israel Katz has denied reports of a rift between Netanyahu and the military over a possible strike on Iran, insisting Israel has no intention of launching an attack before tomorrow’s election.

Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are heading to Tehran for talks aimed at averting another confrontation between Iran and the United States, as President Trump threatens further military action and Tehran warns of a stronger response.

Watch now for your fast, fact-based Middle East briefing.

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