What Could Change if Netanyahu Loses?

AI summary

What is at stake for Israelis? Rory Stewart says the election raises questions about Israel’s institutions after Netanyahu, military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, relations with Arab parties, and “what Israel is” and who belongs in Israeli society. Israelis are considering these issues while feeling that their state faces existential risk. [Evidence at 29.48 seconds.] What might change for Palestinians?

Stewart cautions that a Netanyahu defeat may change very little for Palestinians and very little in how the world views Israel. [Evidence at 103.56 seconds.] Would defeat change the two-state debate? Alastair Campbell says the opposition is not offering a traditional left-right alternative. He notes that none of its parties are discussing a two-state solution, leaving it unclear what would change beyond Netanyahu’s leadership.

[Evidence at 294.537 seconds.] How are October 7th and Gaza shaping the election? Campbell says the election is being defined by October 7th and Netanyahu rather than competing policy programmes. He says the opposition may worry that voters will see it as soft on security or Palestinian statehood. The supplied evidence does not separately assess Gaza’s electoral impact.

[Evidence at 690.069 seconds.] Stewart also says many Israelis hope removing Netanyahu would restore normality, while Israeli public opinion does not appear to see the situation as structurally connected to Israel’s relationship with Palestine. [Evidence at 963.736 seconds.]