Israel’s parliament has officially dissolved, kicking off a high-stakes campaign for national elections on October 27.

The dissolution of the 25th Knesset (parliament) on Friday paves the way for a vote that is seen as a critical referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival and his wars on Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

Israel to hold elections after parliament completes full term

Israeli media reports claim several Arab leaders have privately urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly viewing Netanyahu's government as an obstacle to broader Middle East diplomatic efforts. The reports come as discussions continue over Trump's regional plans and Israel's upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for progress on normalising ties with Saudi Arabia, expressing hope for closer relations with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had paused normalisation talks with Israel following the Gaza war and has maintained that any agreement depends on progress toward establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Israel-Saudi peace deal back in focus | Arab leaders raise concerns over Netanyahu

The first day of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon has concluded in Rome, with both sides describing the discussions as productive. Israel has reportedly expressed its willingness to move forward with plans to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon as part of a framework agreement brokered by Washington.
According to US officials, the negotiations were held in a positive atmosphere, with representatives from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon agreeing to continue discussions. Lebanon has insisted that Israeli forces begin withdrawing before any further negotiations take place, while the Lebanese Army has stated it is ready to gradually take control of the affected areas.

Israel agrees to Lebanon withdrawal plan after US-mediated rome talks | Trump pushes Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack fundamentally changed Israel's security doctrine. Israel now insists on maintaining buffer zones inside Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria, arguing they are essential to prevent future attacks. While Israeli leaders say the policy is about national security, critics accuse Israel of prolonged military occupation and violating neighboring countries' sovereignty.

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

Israeli PM Netanyahu has urged the United States not to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, arguing the move could alter the regional military balance. His appeal comes as reports suggest the Trump administration is considering restoring Turkiye's access to the F-35 program ahead of the NATO Summit.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu urges US to block F-35 sale to Turkiye

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that some Christian villages in Lebanon have expressed interest in being annexed by Israel, triggering fresh debate across the region. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and have drawn attention to the complex political, religious, and security dynamics at play. This episode of Gravitas explores Netanyahu's claims, the reactions they have generated, and the potential implications for Israel-Lebanon relations and regional stability.

Netanyahu wants to annex Christian villages in Lebanon 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken about his relationship with US President Donald Trump ahead of a possible visit to the United States. The remarks come as both countries continue discussions on regional security, diplomacy, and ongoing developments in the Middle East. A potential meeting is expected to focus on bilateral ties and key strategic issues affecting the region.

Netanyahu discusses Trump relations ahead of possible US visit 

Netanyahu claimed some Christian villages in southern Lebanon had sought annexation by Israel for protection from Hezbollah. Lebanese officials rejected the claim, while Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon and addressed ties with US President Donald Trump.

'We protect them...': Netanyahu makes annexation claim about Christian villages to justify Lebanon offensive

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said India's 1.4 billion people show 'tremendous support' for Israel while responding to criticism over declining US backing.

Netanyahu says India's 1.4 billion people show 'tremendous support' for Israel amid US criticism

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to meet in the US as reports emerge of a possible White House meeting amid renewed tensions and regional security developments.

Trump, Netanyahu agree to meet amid reports of shifting US bases in Gulf to Negev, Israel

Did Washington fear Israel could assassinate Iran's top negotiators and derail a fragile peace process? An explosive report says US officials quietly warned Tehran through intermediaries, but Benjamin Netanyahu's office has now issued a furious response, calling the claims "fake news".

Netanyahu’s office slams report claiming US feared Israel would assassinate Iranian negotiators

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined the core principles for a proposed unity government, signalling an effort to build broader political consensus amid mounting domestic and regional challenges. The move comes at a critical moment for Israel's political future.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu sets out core principles for a unity government

The US-backed Israel-Lebanon peace framework is facing its first major test after Israel said it destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon, prompting Hezbollah to accuse Israel of violating the ceasefire and warn that it reserves the right to respond.

Israel blows up major Hezbollah tunnel packed with weapons; group says it reserves 'right to defend'

Benjamin Netanyahu was heckled with shouts of "Go home!" during an IDF graduation ceremony as he defended Israel's military operations and vowed more missions.

'Go home!': Netanyahu heckled during IDF ceremony as he defends war record

Israeli PM Netanyahu rejected claims that US President Donald Trump influences his decisions, saying both leaders act independently. He also vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and keep troops in Lebanon.

‘I stand for interests of Israel’: Netanyahu rejects claims Trump influences his decisions amid Iran war

A Channel 12 poll shows only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won the war with Iran, while most respondents say Benjamin Netanyahu did not help in US-Iran negotiations and distrust Donald Trump to protect Israeli interests.

Only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won war with Iran and only 13% trust Trump

Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in security zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria for as long as necessary to protect Israel and ensure its security.

‘War saved Israel from nuclear annihilation’: Netanyahu says Israeli forces to stay in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

Fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon have cast doubt on efforts to secure a U.S.-backed ceasefire, as tensions once again flare along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The escalation comes after Hezbollah rejected key elements of a proposed truce framework. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Lebanese citizens to oppose Hezbollah, arguing that the group's actions are dragging Lebanon deeper into conflict.

As diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, concerns are mounting that the Israel-Lebanon front could become a major flashpoint in the broader regional crisis.

IDF Strikes On Lebanon Throw Truce Into Doubt, Netanyahu Urges Lebanese To Stand Against Hezbollah 

US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled planned military strikes against Iran, announcing a surprise draft peace framework. The move caught Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu completely off guard, while Iran disputed the claim.

Did Trump leave Netanyahu in the dark? Report claims Israeli PM was blindsided by Iran deal news

The U.S.-Israel alliance is currently strained as President Donald Trump openly questions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s viability in upcoming elections, while Israeli voters increasingly doubt Trump's commitment to Israel's core security in his push for a peace deal with Iran.


Trump Doubts if Netanyahu Can Get Elected; Israelis Doubt Trump's Commitment to Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election this year, his party announced on Wednesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said ​he wasn't sure if the Israeli prime minister would stand again.
In a brief statement, ‌Netanyahu's Likud Party said he would run in the election and, God willing, he would win. The election has not yet been formally announced but must be held by October.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Party Announces His Candidacy for Upcoming Polls

Israel's Likud party confirmed Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election despite polls showing most Israelis oppose another term. Donald Trump has also cast doubt on Netanyahu's political future.

Likud confirms Netanyahu re-election bid after Trump casts doubt on future

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid tensions over the fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire. Trump revealed that he cautioned Netanyahu against further military escalation, warning that Israel could find itself "on its own" if the conflict reignites. At the same time, Trump claimed negotiations with Iran are in the "final throes" and that a broader peace agreement could be reached within days. The remarks come as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a return to full-scale conflict in the Middle East.

Trump Warns Netanyahu On Iran: 'You Better Be Careful

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the military will continue to operate in southern Lebanon to destroy all of [Hezbollah’s] terrorist infrastructure in the security zone, including massive underground facilities in the Beaufort Ridge.

Israeli strikes made Iran stop attacks, fight against Tehran, Hezbollah ‘not over’: Netanyahu