Israel Elections: Israel is set to hold a parliamentary election today, with voters choosing representatives for the country's 120-member Knesset. The voters will decide whether current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue in the office or will be replaced with rivals. The election is being held at a crucial time as Israel continues to be involved in conflict with Iran and Lebanon.
However, the election result will not only decide the future of two leaders, Netanyahu and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot. The results will also set the tone for Israel's strategic ties with the US, judicial reforms, and stand on two states for the next few years.
Relations With US
Netanyahu: The current prime minister of Israel shares an excellent bond with US President Donald Trump. The two countries jointly attacked Iran earlier in February, killing Tehran's top leadership. Trump has also taken interest in the Israeli polls as he endorsed Netanyahu by asserting that they "have to finish the job".
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Gadi Eisenkot: Earlier during an interview with the New York Post, Eisenkot praised Trump's decision to attack Iran, adding that Tehran was preparing to develop nuclear weapons.
Two-State Solution
Benjamin Netanyahu: The Israeli prime minister, during his campaign, maintained that the region belongs to Israel, asserting that there will be no "Palestinian state". "We are going to fulfill our promise that there will be no Palestinian state; this place belongs to us," Netanyahu said, quoted Al Jazeera.
Gadi Eisenkot: On the same line, Eisenkot stated that the idea of two states for two people is a "mistake", adding that his stance has remained consistent on this issue.
October 7 Inquiry
While Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of inaction despite allegedly being informed about the Hamas attack in 2023, Netanyahu has stated that a befitting response was given to Israel's enemies.
Relations With India
As per the experts, the relationship between India and Israel is unlikely to alter irrespective of the election results. While Netanyahu shares an excellent bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the same camaraderie is expected to continue with Eisenkot too.