Arab countries expect Netanyahu's downfall — media

According to media reports, Arab countries are counting on Netanyahu's defeat in the elections and the rise of forces ready to change Israel's course. Orientalist Eddie Cohen and expert Ihab Jabarin believe that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are interested in a more centrist government capable of resuming the Palestinian process. Claims about a 'secret plan' are the author's assessment.

In Arab countries, a possible change in Israel's political course after the upcoming elections is being discussed, with hopes for the defeat of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the rise of forces ready to return to discussing a Palestinian state. This picture was presented by orientalist Eddie Cohen, commenting on statements in Arab media. In his opinion, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are interested in a broader change in Israel's political balance, preferring a more centrist or left-wing government. Al Jazeera expert Ihab Jabarin stated that Netanyahu's defeat could seriously hit Likud and the right-wing camp, causing an internal crisis and a struggle for succession. The main factor is called pragmatic calculation: Netanyahu's government opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, which Arab capitals consider an obstacle to normalization. This issue is especially important for relations with Saudi Arabia. As an alternative, the position of Yair Lapid, who supported the two-state principle in 2022, is cited. The author notes that claims about a 'secret plan' are his assessment, not a confirmed fact.