Embattled Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu again pitched for an unity government even as Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked to form the government. Amid this, Yashar introduced a bill to fix a maximum tenure for the PM's post.


Israel MPs plan to pass law against Netanyahu becoming PM again

Few bilateral relationships have proved as durable as the US–Israel partnership. Presidents change, Congress changes hands, and American and Israeli leaders quarrel in public, yet Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security and military edge endures. That raises a legitimate geopolitical question: how does a country of 10.3 million people command such sustained weight in the calculations of the world’s most powerful nation?&nbsp;The answer goes beyond Jewish influence and wealth. It lies in the convergence of organised advocacy, electoral arithmetic, religious conviction and a strategic partnership built over seven decades. The fact that President Trump announced to discontinue $3.8 billion aid to Israel, to moderate his pro-Israel image-damaging election prospects, indicates the electoral relevance of relationship.&nbsp;<h2>Small Numbers, Outsized Weight: What the Data Reveals</h2>&nbsp;The world’s Jewish population stood at nearly 15.9 million at the start of 2026, about 0.2 per cent of humanity. Israel’s population crossed 10.3 million this September, of whom roughly 7.8 million are Jewish. About 46 per cent of world Jewry now lives in Israel and around 40 per cent in the United States. (Data as derived from references given at the end, approximated to draw inferences).&nbsp;“My first deduction is that demography explains very little. A community that is 0.2 per cent of the world and barely 2 per cent of America cannot shape outcomes by numbers alone. What matters is concentration: some 85 per cent of world Jewry lives in just two countries, and they are the two partners in this relationship. That creates a dense human bridge of family, professional, academic and civic ties between Washington and Jerusalem which few bilateral relationships possess.”&nbsp;<h2>Wealth Matters: Reading the Billionaire Numbers Correctly</h2>&nbsp;Infographics now in circulation claim that over 300 Jewish billionaires hold combined wealth exceeding $2 trillion, and that about 85 of the Forbes global top 500 are Jewish or Israeli: 49 American, 12 Israeli and 24 from elsewhere. Such estimates need careful handling, because financial clout does impact American power structure and election funding, but there is very little evidence of billionaires presenting themselves as a coordinated financial bloc.&nbsp;“My second deduction is that these numbers, indicate the ‘money controls Washington’ thesis. The largest fortunes on such lists were built at Google, Meta, Dell and Oracle, on technology and their owners’ politics run across the spectrum. Only a handful, such as Miriam Adelson, are major, openly pro-Israel political donors."&nbsp;Individual donors must be distinguished from an entire community. All Jewish Americans are not a bloc, and many are openly critical of Netanyahu’s government.&nbsp;<h3>The Advocacy Machine: Where Organisation Meets Electoral Arithmetic</h3>&nbsp;The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is the most visible node of the pro-Israel ecosystem. Its affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, spent about $61.4 million in the 2024 cycle and had raised roughly $104 million for 2026 by June. Such spending can decide outcomes and shape the incentives of an entire legislature.&nbsp;“The real force multiplier is organisation, not money as such. A disciplined advocacy network can shape the behaviour of Congress without representing a majority of voters. That is a feature of the American system, legally regulated and open to any community willing to organise.”&nbsp;The ecosystem is neither exclusively Jewish nor endorsed by all Jews; groups such as J Street contest AIPAC’s positions from within the community. &nbsp; &nbsp;<h2>The Evangelical Multiplier</h2>&nbsp;The most underestimated pillar is Christian Zionism. For a substantial share of American evangelicals, support for Israel flows from biblical prophecy and is an article of faith rather than a foreign-policy preference. Organisations such as Christians United for Israel mobilise millions, chiefly within the Republican Party. The importance of Jerusalem (Jesus Christ's crucifixion) and Bethlehem (birthplace of Jesus) can never be underestimated.&nbsp;“Numerically, the evangelical constituency dwarfs the Jewish one. Jewish advocacy groups and evangelical churches reach the same policy conclusion from entirely different motives, and that convergence, not any single community, is what gives pro-Israel sentiment its electoral depth.”&nbsp;<h2>Strategic Asset, Not Charity Case</h2>&nbsp;Domestic politics alone cannot explain the relationship’s staying power. The Congressional Research Service puts cumulative US bilateral assistance and missile-defence funding at about $174 billion by May 2025, with a ten-year arrangement providing $38 billion for 2019–2028. In return, Washington gains intelligence sharing, combat-tested defence technology, missile-defence co-development, a capable partner against Iran and, most importantly, a trusted foothold in the Middle East, which is irreplaceable by any Islamic country. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Twelve entries in the global Forbes top 500 from a nation of just over 10 million is popularly, the most strategically telling number in the dataset. It signals an entrepreneurial economy, anchored in cybersecurity, defence electronics and deep technology, that makes Israel valuable to the Pentagon and to American industry independently of any lobby. Washington backs Israel partly because Israel delivers capability.”&nbsp;<h2>Leverage Runs Both Ways</h2>&nbsp;An American President must weigh Congress, donors, evangelicals and the cost of weakening a regional partner, so sustained confrontation with Israel carries domestic costs. Yet the record shows some rare cases of America taking a stand different from Israel; for example, Eisenhower forced Israel out of the Sinai after Suez in 1956. The Trump–Netanyahu equation has repeatedly shown that personal chemistry does not erase divergent national interests, sometimes under domestic need of elections or for optics. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Israeli preferences carry great weight in Washington. When American strategic interests diverge sharply, Presidents have sometimes shown that they still hold the dependency card.”<h2>Cracks in the Consensus</h2>&nbsp;Pew Research Center found in April 2026 that 60 per cent of Americans viewed Israel unfavourably, against 37 per cent favourably, and that 56 per cent of Jewish Americans had little or no confidence in Netanyahu. Gallup’s February 2026 survey found, for the first time, more Americans sympathising with Palestinians (41 per cent) than with Israelis (36 per cent).&nbsp;“The infographic captures a snapshot of resources; the polls capture the trend. Resources without public legitimacy depreciate. The next generation of American lawmakers will answer to a younger, markedly more sceptical electorate, and that, rather than any donor list, will decide the future of this relationship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Lessons for India</h2>&nbsp;India has the largest diaspora globally. It should study this relationship for its method of gaining influence, not its ethnic or religious dimensions. Israel has built a formidable ecosystem linking advocacy, diaspora engagement, innovation, defence cooperation and strategic communication. India’s diaspora of over five million in the US is among its most prosperous and best represented in American boardrooms and laboratories.&nbsp;“India’s diaspora already has the demographic weight and the corporate presence. What it lacks is the institutional architecture to convert prosperity into sustained, bipartisan policy influence on the Hill, in think tanks and in universities. India should emulate the method, not the identity politics.”<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>&nbsp;Israel’s influence in America is the cumulative outcome of organised advocacy, evangelical mobilisation, campaign finance, history and a strategic partnership that successive administrations have valued. Jewish Americans, Israeli citizens, the Israeli government and pro-Israel lobbies are not interchangeable entities, and conflating them distorts analysis.&nbsp;The real question is not whether Israel controls American foreign policy, but how a small state has embedded its priorities so deeply in a superpower’s domestic and security calculus. For emerging powers like India, the lesson is clear: influence is not measured by population or territory. It is built through institutions, sustained engagement and the ability to turn national interests into enduring relationships within the world’s power centres.&nbsp;

Infographics now in circulation claim that over 300 Jewish billionaires hold combined wealth exceeding $2 trillion, and that about 85 of the Forbes global top 500 are Jewish or Israeli: 49 American, 12 Israeli and 24 from elsewhere.

Few bilateral relationships have proved as durable as the US–Israel partnership. Presidents change, Congress changes hands, and American and Israeli leaders quarrel in public, yet Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security and military edge endures. That raises a legitimate geopolitical question: how does a country of 10.3 million people command such sustained weight in the calculations of the world’s most powerful nation? The answer goes beyond Jewish influence and wealth. It lies in the convergence of organised advocacy, electoral arithmetic, religious conviction and a strategic partnership built over seven decades. The fact that President Trump announced to discontinue $3.8 billion aid to Israel, to moderate his pro-Israel image-damaging election prospects, indicates the electoral relevance of relationship. Small Numbers, Outsized Weight: What the Data Reveals The world’s Jewish population stood at nearly 15.9 million at the start of 2026, about 0.2 per cent of humanity. Israel’s population crossed 10.3 million this September, of whom roughly 7.8 million are Jewish. About 46 per cent of world Jewry now lives in Israel and around 40 per cent in the United States. (Data as derived from references given at the end, approximated to draw inferences). “My first deduction is that demography explains very little. A community that is 0.2 per cent of the world and barely 2 per cent of America cannot shape outcomes by numbers alone. What matters is concentration: some 85 per cent of world Jewry lives in just two countries, and they are the two partners in this relationship. That creates a dense human bridge of family, professional, academic and civic ties between Washington and Jerusalem which few bilateral relationships possess.” Wealth Matters: Reading the Billionaire Numbers Correctly Infographics now in circulation claim that over 300 Jewish billionaires hold combined wealth exceeding $2 trillion, and that about 85 of the Forbes global top 500 are Jewish or Israeli: 49 American, 12 Israeli and 24 from elsewhere. Such estimates need careful handling, because financial clout does impact American power structure and election funding, but there is very little evidence of billionaires presenting themselves as a coordinated financial bloc. “My second deduction is that these numbers, indicate the ‘money controls Washington’ thesis. The largest fortunes on such lists were built at Google, Meta, Dell and Oracle, on technology and their owners’ politics run across the spectrum. Only a handful, such as Miriam Adelson, are major, openly pro-Israel political donors." Individual donors must be distinguished from an entire community. All Jewish Americans are not a bloc, and many are openly critical of Netanyahu’s government. The Advocacy Machine: Where Organisation Meets Electoral Arithmetic The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is the most visible node of the pro-Israel ecosystem. Its affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, spent about $61.4 million in the 2024 cycle and had raised roughly $104 million for 2026 by June. Such spending can decide outcomes and shape the incentives of an entire legislature. “The real force multiplier is organisation, not money as such. A disciplined advocacy network can shape the behaviour of Congress without representing a majority of voters. That is a feature of the American system, legally regulated and open to any community willing to organise.” The ecosystem is neither exclusively Jewish nor endorsed by all Jews; groups such as J Street contest AIPAC’s positions from within the community. The Evangelical Multiplier The most underestimated pillar is Christian Zionism. For a substantial share of American evangelicals, support for Israel flows from biblical prophecy and is an article of faith rather than a foreign-policy preference. Organisations such as Christians United for Israel mobilise millions, chiefly within the Republican Party. The importance of Jerusalem (Jesus Christ's crucifixion) and Bethlehem (birthplace of Jesus) can never be underestimated. “Numerically, the evangelical constituency dwarfs the Jewish one. Jewish advocacy groups and evangelical churches reach the same policy conclusion from entirely different motives, and that convergence, not any single community, is what gives pro-Israel sentiment its electoral depth.” Strategic Asset, Not Charity Case Domestic politics alone cannot explain the relationship’s staying power. The Congressional Research Service puts cumulative US bilateral assistance and missile-defence funding at about $174 billion by May 2025, with a ten-year arrangement providing $38 billion for 2019–2028. In return, Washington gains intelligence sharing, combat-tested defence technology, missile-defence co-development, a capable partner against Iran and, most importantly, a trusted foothold in the Middle East, which is irreplaceable by any Islamic country. “Twelve entries in the global Forbes top 500 from a nation of just over 10 million is popularly, the most strategically telling number in the dataset. It signals an entrepreneurial economy, anchored in cybersecurity, defence electronics and deep technology, that makes Israel valuable to the Pentagon and to American industry independently of any lobby. Washington backs Israel partly because Israel delivers capability.” Leverage Runs Both Ways An American President must weigh Congress, donors, evangelicals and the cost of weakening a regional partner, so sustained confrontation with Israel carries domestic costs. Yet the record shows some rare cases of America taking a stand different from Israel; for example, Eisenhower forced Israel out of the Sinai after Suez in 1956. The Trump–Netanyahu equation has repeatedly shown that personal chemistry does not erase divergent national interests, sometimes under domestic need of elections or for optics. “Israeli preferences carry great weight in Washington. When American strategic interests diverge sharply, Presidents have sometimes shown that they still hold the dependency card.” Cracks in the Consensus Pew Research Center found in April 2026 that 60 per cent of Americans viewed Israel unfavourably, against 37 per cent favourably, and that 56 per cent of Jewish Americans had little or no confidence in Netanyahu. Gallup’s February 2026 survey found, for the first time, more Americans sympathising with Palestinians (41 per cent) than with Israelis (36 per cent). “The infographic captures a snapshot of resources; the polls capture the trend. Resources without public legitimacy depreciate. The next generation of American lawmakers will answer to a younger, markedly more sceptical electorate, and that, rather than any donor list, will decide the future of this relationship.” Lessons for India India has the largest diaspora globally. It should study this relationship for its method of gaining influence, not its ethnic or religious dimensions. Israel has built a formidable ecosystem linking advocacy, diaspora engagement, innovation, defence cooperation and strategic communication. India’s diaspora of over five million in the US is among its most prosperous and best represented in American boardrooms and laboratories. “India’s diaspora already has the demographic weight and the corporate presence. What it lacks is the institutional architecture to convert prosperity into sustained, bipartisan policy influence on the Hill, in think tanks and in universities. India should emulate the method, not the identity politics.” The Bottom Line Israel’s influence in America is the cumulative outcome of organised advocacy, evangelical mobilisation, campaign finance, history and a strategic partnership that successive administrations have valued. Jewish Americans, Israeli citizens, the Israeli government and pro-Israel lobbies are not interchangeable entities, and conflating them distorts analysis. The real question is not whether Israel controls American foreign policy, but how a small state has embedded its priorities so deeply in a superpower’s domestic and security calculus. For emerging powers like India, the lesson is clear: influence is not measured by population or territory. It is built through institutions, sustained engagement and the ability to turn national interests into enduring relationships within the world’s power centres.

Infographics now in circulation claim that over 300 Jewish billionaires hold combined wealth exceeding $2 trillion, and that about 85 of the Forbes global top 500 are Jewish or Israeli: 49 American, 12 Israeli and 24 from elsewhere.

Is It the Lobby, Money, the Bible or Strategy? Decoding Israel’s clout in Washington and lessons for India

Israel is facing another political deadlock after the October 27 elections failed to produce a clear governing majority. With Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc holding 53 seats and the opposition parties struggling to bridge their differences, the possibility of another election remains on the table. Opposition leaders have backed Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, but disagreements over support from Arab parties could complicate the process. Will Israel manage to form a coalition, or will voters be forced back to the ballot box?


Israel elections: Would Israelis be forced to the ballot box once again?

Israel’s elections have ended in a political deadlock, with the final results showing no clear winner. The outcome leaves the country facing uncertainty over the formation of its next government, as rival political blocs navigate the complex task of securing a parliamentary majority. What does the result mean for Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s political future?


Israel elections: Elections end in deadlock as final results show no clear winner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that he will not form a government with Arab parties, sharing a video of remarks by Arab political leaders and opposition lawmakers as Israel faces difficult coalition negotiations following the election.&nbsp;In a post on X on Friday, Netanyahu shared a compilation of speeches and statements by several Arab politicians, including Ahmad Tibi, Iman Khatib-Yasin, Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, Ofer Cassif, Yousef Jabareen and Ayman Odeh.&nbsp;The leaders are heard expressing support for the Palestinian cause, a position that right-wing Jewish factions view as anti-national.&nbsp;“It is forbidden to form a government with them,” Netanyahu said, reiterating his opposition to an alliance with Arab parties.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">אסור להקים איתם ממשלה https://t.co/LmHmN0SODF&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2116050188519235670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Netanyahu faces difficult coalition negotiations</h3>Netanyahu’s coalition of right-wing and far-right parties secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, with his Likud party winning 27. The opposition bloc, led by centrist Gadi Eisenkot, won 48 seats.&nbsp;The Arab party groupings Raam and the Joint List emerged as potential kingmakers after securing a combined 19 seats. However, neither major bloc has reached the 61 seats required to form a government, raising the possibility of prolonged negotiations or another election if talks fail.&nbsp;The final results came after Netanyahu’s camp amplified allegations that Arab-Israeli groups had received foreign funding to influence the vote. The claims were rejected by the Arab-majority lists and Qatar.&nbsp;The controversy centred on accusations that Qatar had provided money to Raam to finance vote-buying operations. Likud described the allegations as the “Raamgate scandal”, saying: “The Raamgate scandal is a political earthquake. Israel's elections have been stolen!”&nbsp;Raam leader Mansour Abbas denied wrongdoing and welcomed an investigation. The Joint List accused Netanyahu and his allies of running a “campaign of incitement” because of growing political influence among Arab voters.&nbsp;Qatar dismissed the accusations as “ridiculous and dangerous”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-postpones-india-bloc-s-public-impeachment-of-cec-gyanesh-kumar-1793357863174">Rain postpones INDIA bloc’s ‘public impeachment’ of CEC Gyanesh Kumar</a><h3>Lapid declares opposition victory</h3>Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has claimed that the anti-Netanyahu camp won the election, arguing that the prime minister has no viable route to forming a government.&nbsp;In a lengthy post on X on Friday, Lapid acknowledged that his camp had not secured an outright majority but said the results marked a political victory. He also highlighted the voter turnout of 77.7 per cent, which he described as the highest since 1999.&nbsp;“The people showed up,” Lapid said.&nbsp;He argued that Netanyahu’s 53 seats included 13 won by parties that openly describe themselves as non-Zionist, leaving the prime minister with only 40 seats from his own political camp.&nbsp;“No matter what he does, he has nowhere to pull a government from,” Lapid said.&nbsp;Declaring victory for the opposition, he added: “So we won. It's not a knockout victory. It's a points victory. That counts too. A win is a win.”

Netanyahu has ruled out forming a government with Arab parties after Israel’s election, while opposition leader Yair Lapid has declared a political victory for the anti-Netanyahu camp amid difficult coalition negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that he will not form a government with Arab parties, sharing a video of remarks by Arab political leaders and opposition lawmakers as Israel faces difficult coalition negotiations following the election. In a post on X on Friday, Netanyahu shared a compilation of speeches and statements by several Arab politicians, including Ahmad Tibi, Iman Khatib-Yasin, Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, Ofer Cassif, Yousef Jabareen and Ayman Odeh. The leaders are heard expressing support for the Palestinian cause, a position that right-wing Jewish factions view as anti-national. “It is forbidden to form a government with them,” Netanyahu said, reiterating his opposition to an alliance with Arab parties.

Netanyahu has ruled out forming a government with Arab parties after Israel’s election, while opposition leader Yair Lapid has declared a political victory for the anti-Netanyahu camp amid difficult coalition negotiations.

‘Forbidden to form govt with them’: Netanyahu targets Arab parties after Israel polls as majority eludes both coalitions

US President Donald Trump warns Gulf nations of the risk of a renewed war with Iran, as Tehran threatens devastating consequences amid rising regional tensions. With fears of another confrontation mounting, the Middle East faces fresh uncertainty over the possibility of military escalation.

What is behind Washington’s latest warning? How is Iran responding, and what could another conflict mean for Gulf security, regional stability and global energy supplies? Gravitas brings you the latest developments, key statements and analysis as tensions between the US and Iran remain in focus.



Trump warns Gulf of new war, Iran threatens devastation

Israel’s election results are taking shape, with Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) currently ahead, but neither political camp has secured a clear majority so far. The emerging Knesset numbers could make coalition negotiations decisive in determining who forms the next Israeli government.


Knesset result: Bibi ahead, but no side has clear majority so far

Israel's political landscape is heating up as Gadi Eisenkot emerges as a challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the country's elections. The contest could shape Israel's political future, with voters weighing leadership, security and the government's policies. Watch WION for the latest updates on Israel's elections and the key political developments to watch.


Israel elections 2026: What happens if Netanyahu loses

Israel's political landscape is heating up as Gadi Eisenkot emerges as a challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the country's elections. The contest could shape Israel's political future, with voters weighing leadership, security and the government's policies. Watch WION for the latest updates on Israel's elections and the key political developments to watch.

Israel elections: 'Unprecedented confrontation' between Netanyahu & Zamir

Reports suggest that Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir opposed launching military strikes against Iran ahead of Israel’s 2026 elections. The reported disagreement highlights potential differences within Israel’s leadership over the timing and strategic implications of military action against Tehran as the country prepares to vote.


Israel elections 2026 | Reports: Zamir opposed pre-election military strikes against Iran

Israel’s 2026 elections are shaping up to be a major political test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as voters prepare to decide the country’s leadership and future direction. The election comes amid intense political divisions, security concerns and growing scrutiny of the government’s decisions. Netanyahu faces a challenge from rival political forces seeking to reshape Israel’s leadership and policies.


Israel elections 2026: Netanyahu faces a big test as Israel votes

Israel's political landscape is heating up as Gadi Eisenkot emerges as a challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the country's elections. The contest could shape Israel's political future, with voters weighing leadership, security and the government's policies.

Israel elections 2026: Netanyahu faces big test as Israel votes

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to have clashed with his Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over a proposed military operation that is likely to trigger confrontation with Iran ahead of Israel elections.&nbsp;According to TV network, Channel 12, Zamir resisted carrying out the military action and &nbsp;ought further deliberations, as well as signed documentation from Netanyahu regarding legal authorization of the military operation. However, no details of the confrontation or what exactly happened between the two was provided by the network.&nbsp;The Israeli military chief was reportedly concerned that the political leadership could exploit tensions with Iran for electoral gains before the Oct. 27 parliamentary vote.&nbsp;Later, in an interview to Channel 14, Netanyahu denied any dispute with Zamir.&nbsp;<h2>But who is Eyal Zamir, who reportedly clashed with his PM?</h2>&nbsp;Prior to becoming the army chief, Eyal Zamir was a Major-General and director-general of the Defence Ministry.&nbsp;Zamir took over from Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who announced his resignation in January this year, after reports emerged into military’s failings during the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.&nbsp;Israel’s highest-ranking officer, Zamir has a longstanding relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;Zamir was picked for the role by both Defence Minister Israel Katz and &nbsp;Netanyahu. He was considered for the position twice in the past but lost out to Herzi Halevi and his predecessor, Aviv Kohavi.&nbsp;Before being appointed as the army chief, Zamir was Netanyahu’s military secretary from 2012 to 2015, then leader of Israel’s southern command for the next three years.&nbsp;In 2021, Zamir left the military and Israel, departed to the United States and worked as a visiting research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank. However, he returned to Israel in 2023 and was appointed director-general of the Defence Ministry.&nbsp;

Zamir took over from Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who announced his resignation in January this year, after reports emerged into military’s failings during the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to have clashed with his Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over a proposed military operation that is likely to trigger confrontation with Iran ahead of Israel elections. According to TV network, Channel 12, Zamir resisted carrying out the military action and ought further deliberations, as well as signed documentation from Netanyahu regarding legal authorization of the military operation. However, no details of the confrontation or what exactly happened between the two was provided by the network. The Israeli military chief was reportedly concerned that the political leadership could exploit tensions with Iran for electoral gains before the Oct. 27 parliamentary vote. Later, in an interview to Channel 14, Netanyahu denied any dispute with Zamir. But who is Eyal Zamir, who reportedly clashed with his PM? Prior to becoming the army chief, Eyal Zamir was a Major-General and director-general of the Defence Ministry. Zamir took over from Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who announced his resignation in January this year, after reports emerged into military’s failings during the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023. Israel’s highest-ranking officer, Zamir has a longstanding relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Zamir was picked for the role by both Defence Minister Israel Katz and Netanyahu. He was considered for the position twice in the past but lost out to Herzi Halevi and his predecessor, Aviv Kohavi. Before being appointed as the army chief, Zamir was Netanyahu’s military secretary from 2012 to 2015, then leader of Israel’s southern command for the next three years. In 2021, Zamir left the military and Israel, departed to the United States and worked as a visiting research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank. However, he returned to Israel in 2023 and was appointed director-general of the Defence Ministry.

Zamir took over from Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who announced his resignation in January this year, after reports emerged into military’s failings during the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.

Who is Eyal Zamir, Israeli army chief, who reportedly clashed with Netanyahu over Iran?

What happens when the timing of a potential military offensive appears to depend as much on elections as on national security? That is the uncomfortable question confronting Washington and Tel Aviv amid fresh reports that the United States and Israel are preparing for another round of strikes against Iran. According to reporting by the Financial Times and New York Times, military preparations are underway for possible renewed attacks, with Iran's nuclear infrastructure, missile facilities and other strategic sites reportedly under consideration. But the timing is politically explosive. Israel holds parliamentary elections on October 27. The United States follows with its midterm elections on November 3. Reports suggest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought renewed strikes earlier this month, but President Donald Trump opposed military action before the American vote. The distinction matters. Military preparations do not establish that an attack has been authorised. Nor does electoral timing, by itself, prove that either leader is manufacturing a conflict for political gain. Nevertheless, the reports raise legitimate questions about how domestic politics influences decisions with potentially devastating international consequences.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-netanyahu-iran-is-war-waiting-for-the-midterms-1792686032406/embed Trump has publicly endorsed Netanyahu's re-election, describing the Israeli leader as a crucial partner against Iran. Yet Vice President JD Vance has declined to offer a similar endorsement, insisting that his immediate priority is America's own election.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="-">France reports first human case of livestock virus Shamonda, patient dies; what we know so far</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Tehran has threatened retaliation if attacked again. The risks extend beyond Israel and Iran. Another major confrontation could destabilise energy markets, threaten maritime trade, deepen the region's humanitarian crises and draw additional countries into the conflict. Iran's nuclear programme and ballistic missile capabilities present genuine security challenges. Governments have a responsibility to assess those threats and protect their populations. But the justification for military action must rest on credible evidence, necessity and lawful objectives, not electoral convenience. The question is not simply whether Washington and Tel Aviv possess the military capacity to strike Iran again. It is whether the political calculations surrounding that decision are receiving the scrutiny they deserve. Elections have deadlines. Wars have consequences that can last generations. And when the two become intertwined, the world has every reason to demand answers.

Reports of possible renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran ahead of key elections raise questions about the influence of domestic political calculations on military decisions and their wider global consequences.

What happens when the timing of a potential military offensive appears to depend as much on elections as on national security? That is the uncomfortable question confronting Washington and Tel Aviv amid fresh reports that the United States and Israel are preparing for another round of strikes against Iran. According to reporting by the Financial Times and New York Times, military preparations are underway for possible renewed attacks, with Iran's nuclear infrastructure, missile facilities and other strategic sites reportedly under consideration. But the timing is politically explosive. Israel holds parliamentary elections on October 27. The United States follows with its midterm elections on November 3. Reports suggest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought renewed strikes earlier this month, but President Donald Trump opposed military action before the American vote. The distinction matters. Military preparations do not establish that an attack has been authorised. Nor does electoral timing, by itself, prove that either leader is manufacturing a conflict for political gain. Nevertheless, the reports raise legitimate questions about how domestic politics influences decisions with potentially devastating international consequences. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-netanyahu-iran-is-war-waiting-for-the-midterms-1792686032406/embed Trump has publicly endorsed Netanyahu's re-election, describing the Israeli leader as a crucial partner against Iran. Yet Vice President JD Vance has declined to offer a similar endorsement, insisting that his immediate priority is America's own election. Also Read: France reports first human case of livestock virus Shamonda, patient dies; what we know so far Meanwhile, Tehran has threatened retaliation if attacked again. The risks extend beyond Israel and Iran. Another major confrontation could destabilise energy markets, threaten maritime trade, deepen the region's humanitarian crises and draw additional countries into the conflict. Iran's nuclear programme and ballistic missile capabilities present genuine security challenges. Governments have a responsibility to assess those threats and protect their populations. But the justification for military action must rest on credible evidence, necessity and lawful objectives, not electoral convenience. The question is not simply whether Washington and Tel Aviv possess the military capacity to strike Iran again. It is whether the political calculations surrounding that decision are receiving the scrutiny they deserve. Elections have deadlines. Wars have consequences that can last generations. And when the two become intertwined, the world has every reason to demand answers.

Reports of possible renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran ahead of key elections raise questions about the influence of domestic political calculations on military decisions and their wider global consequences.

War on the ballot? Trump, Netanyahu and the politics of attacking Iran | The verdict

Reports suggest the United States and Israel are preparing for possible renewed strikes on Iran. But with elections approaching in both countries, questions are growing about the timing of any military operation.

Is national security driving the decision, or are political calculations also at play?

Trump, Netanyahu & Iran: Is war waiting for the midterms? 

Israel's general election takes place on Tuesday 27 October.

It's the first election since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel and its subsequent conflicts in Gaza and with Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Israel elections explained: How the system works 

As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to shape the global political landscape, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump face mounting political pressures at home. With elections and approval ratings in focus, questions are emerging over how domestic political calculations could influence decisions on Iran.


US-Iran war: Bibi, Trump gamble on new Iran war to save themselves in polls

Trump has endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's election. But his own vice president, JD Vance, is refusing to follow his lead.

Vance says he doesn't want to get involved in Israel's election. Yet he previously campaigned for Viktor Orbán in Hungary.

Is this a difference of principle, political calculation or competing priorities within Washington?

And where should America draw the line between supporting an ally and influencing another country's electoral politics?

Israel holds parliamentary elections on October 27 

How did Israel’s early years shape Benjamin Netanyahu’s worldview and political vision?

We explore the historical events, political ideas and formative influences that helped shape Netanyahu’s outlook on Israel, national security and the country’s place in the Middle East. From Israel’s early history to the rise of one of its most consequential political figures, discover the background behind Netanyahu’s approach to leadership and regional geopolitics.

Netanyahu: How Israel’s early years shaped his worldview            

From his childhood in Israel to his family’s influence and formative years abroad, discover how Benjamin Netanyahu’s early life shaped his political outlook, leadership style and rise to power.

How Israel's early years shaped Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump doubled down on his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday (Oct 19), a day after publicly endorsing him for re-election ahead of Israel's October 27 parliamentary polls. During the conversation, Trump predicted Netanyahu would win and suggested they could work together again against Iran.&nbsp;Netanyahu released a video of the call, in which the two leaders praised each other. “I think you're going to have a tremendous victory, actually,” Trump said, adding, “You're the man I want by my side, Bibi,” referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.&nbsp;Netanyahu thanked Trump for joining Israel in military strikes against Iran in late February and suggested their mission was not over.&nbsp;“Donald, we have a job to finish. We'll finish it together. We'll finish it, and no one else will do it,” Netanyahu said.&nbsp;He did not elaborate but again described Iran's clerical leadership as “the greatest danger”. Iran's government remains in power nearly eight months after the joint attack.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">בשיחה עם ידידי הנשיא טראמפ לאחר שהודיע על תמיכתו בי בבחירות. יחד אנחנו הולכים להסיר את האיום האיראני לתמיד! צאו להצביע מחל! https://t.co/GuPEAPn0Tc&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2112221725379514437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Trump gives Netanyahu full endorsement</h3>Trump announced his support for Netanyahu on Sunday through a post on his Truth Social platform. He praised the Israeli leader for standing firm despite opposition, including within Israel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/complete-and-total-endorsement-trump-backs-netanyahu-ahead-of-october-27-polls-1792338982510">‘Complete and total’ endorsement: Trump backs Netanyahu ahead of October 27 polls</a>&nbsp;“Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel itself,” Trump wrote.&nbsp;He described Netanyahu as the kind of partner the United States wanted and called his message a “Complete and Total Endorsement” of the Israeli prime minister's re-election bid.&nbsp;Netanyahu thanked Trump in a post on X, saying the two leaders would continue working together. “Together we will complete the mission!” he wrote.&nbsp;Netanyahu has long sought US support for military action against Iran. However, Trump changed course in April and reached a ceasefire agreement with Tehran, which has since come under strain.&nbsp;The phone call came after Netanyahu released a video from an air force base, saying Israel was prepared to strike its enemies whenever necessary.&nbsp;The October 27 election will be Israel's first national vote since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, which triggered a prolonged regional conflict involving Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, while the Israeli prime minister suggested their joint efforts against Iran were not over.

US President Donald Trump doubled down on his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday (Oct 19), a day after publicly endorsing him for re-election ahead of Israel's October 27 parliamentary polls. During the conversation, Trump predicted Netanyahu would win and suggested they could work together again against Iran. Netanyahu released a video of the call, in which the two leaders praised each other. “I think you're going to have a tremendous victory, actually,” Trump said, adding, “You're the man I want by my side, Bibi,” referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Netanyahu thanked Trump for joining Israel in military strikes against Iran in late February and suggested their mission was not over. “Donald, we have a job to finish. We'll finish it together. We'll finish it, and no one else will do it,” Netanyahu said. He did not elaborate but again described Iran's clerical leadership as “the greatest danger”. Iran's government remains in power nearly eight months after the joint attack.

Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, while the Israeli prime minister suggested their joint efforts against Iran were not over.

Watch: Trump predicts Netanyahu’s victory, says ‘You’re the man I want by my side’

Days ahead of the General election, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled the country's national security doctrine. On this occasion, he presented a map which outlined his vision for strengthening partnerships with more countries across the world. This comes amid his fear of losing U.S. support.


Netanyahu fears losing US support, unveils national security doctrine ahead of polls

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s endorsement in a campaign video ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026, parliamentary election. Netanyahu praised Trump’s backing and urged voters to support him, as the endorsement adds a high-profile US angle to Israel’s election campaign.

Israel PM 'boasts' of Trump's endorsement, urges voters to listen

Former Israeli military chief and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot leads Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in public opinion polls and prediction markets as the country approaches the October 27, 2026 national election.


 Anti-Netanyahu bloc widens lead in poll	

US President Donald Trump’s ties with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are facing new strains. With domestic economic pressures and the 2026 midterm elections looming, Trump’s approach has increasingly focused on transactional diplomacy, tougher demands and public criticism of both leaders.

 Trump's changing stance on Zelensky, Bibi

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed phasing out direct U.S. military aid to Israel over the next decade.


Netanyahu seeks to phase out US military aid over next decade

The first tranche of voting has begun in the high-octane elections in Israel. While polling day in the country is on October 27, diplomatic missions outside Israel have cast their ballots.More than 100 polling stations opened at 99 diplomatic missions across the world for over 4,800 eligible absentee voters.The next early phase of voting will be for the defence forces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will commence early voting next week for its soldiers deployed on bases or overseas.As for the main voting day, preparations are well underway across the country. Israel’s Election Committee is working to set up over 15,000 polling stations. More than 6.7 million eligible voters will exercise their franchise in the upcoming Knesset polls.With precious days still remaining, contesting candidates are pulling out all the stops in their campaigns to sway voters.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#RaceToPower | Israel's race to power: Knesset elections

Diplomatic missions cast their ballot

Israel envoys cast their vote: Polling stations prepare for Oct 27

West Asia analyst James Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) discusses more with @eriknjoka and @ShreyaOpines https://t.co/M1CVzP7Ljm&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2110754539112714331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Netanyahu’s main rival in this election, Gadi Eisenkot, has vowed to end the rule of Hamas in Gaza if he is voted to power.Eisenkot accused the current administration of “giving room and legitimacy to Hamas” and subsequently failing strategically.The former IDF chief of staff is positioned as a favourite to defeat the incumbent prime minister.The latest polls show Eisenkot as the more suitable prime minister, according to Israelis, with a 43 per cent vote share, as opposed to the 38 per cent of Israelis who chose Netanyahu in the survey.

Netanyahu’s main rival in this election, Gadi Eisenkot, has vowed to end the rule of Hamas in Gaza if he is voted to power. Eisenkot accused the current administration of “giving room and legitimacy to Hamas” and subsequently failing strategically.

The first tranche of voting has begun in the high-octane elections in Israel. While polling day in the country is on October 27, diplomatic missions outside Israel have cast their ballots. More than 100 polling stations opened at 99 diplomatic missions across the world for over 4,800 eligible absentee voters. The next early phase of voting will be for the defence forces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will commence early voting next week for its soldiers deployed on bases or overseas. As for the main voting day, preparations are well underway across the country. Israel’s Election Committee is working to set up over 15,000 polling stations. More than 6.7 million eligible voters will exercise their franchise in the upcoming Knesset polls. With precious days still remaining, contesting candidates are pulling out all the stops in their campaigns to sway voters.

Netanyahu’s main rival in this election, Gadi Eisenkot, has vowed to end the rule of Hamas in Gaza if he is voted to power. Eisenkot accused the current administration of “giving room and legitimacy to Hamas” and subsequently failing strategically.

Israel elections: Early voting begins abroad as Netanyahu faces Gadi Eisenkot challenge | Race to Power

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay, who is a South African judge, said she was “confident” that the Israeli prime minister would one day be in the dock of the International Criminal Court (ICC). During her stint as the head of the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry last year, Pillay found that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.&nbsp;She has said that there little political will to arrest Netanyahu to face the ICC accusations, which the Israeli Prime Minister has denied.&nbsp;When asked whether Netanyahu was ever likely to appear in the ICC dock, Pillay said, “All my life I’ve seen people get around difficulties, so I’m confident that it will happen," reported The Telegraph.<h2>“Netanyahu should be prosecuted”</h2>&nbsp;While in another interview with Sky News, she talked about her report which said Israel disproportionately targeted civilians and children in Gaza.&nbsp;“Our recommendation, our finding, is that the president, prime minister Netanyahu, and the former minister of defence should be put on trial.&nbsp;“They should be prosecuted either by national courts or by the International Criminal Court, the most likely international court that would be able to put these individuals on trial," said Pillay.&nbsp;Shae also slammed US President Donald Trump for his “illegal” sanctions against the ICC. She called the sanctions illegal and questioned its timing, just hours after news of her Nobel Prize win.&nbsp;When asked by AFP what she she would like to tell Trump, Pillay said, "Call in your legal advisors to explain to you what international law is and why you must not interfere in the affairs of an independent international court."&nbsp;“He should call in his advisers to tell him why we say that it is unlawful for him to interfere with an independent international court," she added.

Pillay also slammed US President Donald Trump for his “illegal” sanctions against the ICC. She called the sanctions illegal and questioned its timing, just hours after news of her Nobel Prize win.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay, who is a South African judge, said she was “confident” that the Israeli prime minister would one day be in the dock of the International Criminal Court (ICC). During her stint as the head of the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry last year, Pillay found that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. She has said that there little political will to arrest Netanyahu to face the ICC accusations, which the Israeli Prime Minister has denied. When asked whether Netanyahu was ever likely to appear in the ICC dock, Pillay said, “All my life I’ve seen people get around difficulties, so I’m confident that it will happen," reported The Telegraph. “Netanyahu should be prosecuted” While in another interview with Sky News, she talked about her report which said Israel disproportionately targeted civilians and children in Gaza. “Our recommendation, our finding, is that the president, prime minister Netanyahu, and the former minister of defence should be put on trial. “They should be prosecuted either by national courts or by the International Criminal Court, the most likely international court that would be able to put these individuals on trial," said Pillay. Shae also slammed US President Donald Trump for his “illegal” sanctions against the ICC. She called the sanctions illegal and questioned its timing, just hours after news of her Nobel Prize win. When asked by AFP what she she would like to tell Trump, Pillay said, "Call in your legal advisors to explain to you what international law is and why you must not interfere in the affairs of an independent international court." “He should call in his advisers to tell him why we say that it is unlawful for him to interfere with an independent international court," she added.

Pillay also slammed US President Donald Trump for his “illegal” sanctions against the ICC. She called the sanctions illegal and questioned its timing, just hours after news of her Nobel Prize win.

'Netanyahu should be prosecuted, put on trial': Nobel Peace Prize winner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would like to join Saudi's fight against Houthis.

However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has opposed Israeli military involvement, fearing a likely backlash among the kingdom's citizenry.

According to a report in Israeli newspaper Haaretz, "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking Saudi Arabia's approval, through US mediation, for Israel to join the campaign against Yemen's Houthis."


Israel wants to join fight against Houthis?

Three years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Israel’s military campaign has reshaped the Middle East, with more than 100,000 strikes reported across multiple fronts. From Gaza to Lebanon and beyond, the conflict has transformed Israel’s security doctrine, expanded regional hostilities and intensified debates over military strategy, civilian casualties and the future of the region.

100,000 strikes in 3 years: How October 7 redefined Israel's war 

As the multi-nation probe into the Flydubai hijacking attempt intensifies, Israel's handling of the situation is now under the lens. It has now emerged that Israel was prepared to shoot down the Flydubai jet despite nearly 166 Israeli passengers being on board.

Israel nearly shot down Flydubai jet with 166 Israeli passengers aboard

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