Arab states see hawks ruling Israel no matter who wins vote, but still sense room for change

Arab states anticipate that Israel's next government will maintain a hawkish stance on Iran and opposition to Palestinian statehood regardless of the election outcome, but see potential for shifts on Gaza rehabilitation, settler violence, and Temple Mount policy. Experts suggest limited adjustments could improve Israel's regional standing.

Arab states expect Israel's next government to remain hawkish on Iran, opposed to Palestinian statehood, and committed to the aggressive security posture adopted since October 7, 2023, regardless of who wins the upcoming election. However, they see room for change on policies less central to that doctrine, including Gaza's rehabilitation, cracking down on settler violence in the West Bank, Syria's stability, and Temple Mount activity. Experts and officials quoted in the article say even limited adjustments on these issues could significantly improve how Israel is viewed in the Arab world. The article notes that while Netanyahu's standing among Arab allies has declined due to images of Gazan suffering and his far-right coalition partners, some states still see advantages to his leadership, particularly on Iran. Polling shows former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot's centrist Yashar party level with or behind Netanyahu's Likud, with former premier Naftali Bennett's Together party trailing third. Neither camp is projected to have a clear majority without cross-aisle alliances.