Election interference by Iran, Russia, or China may help PM Netanyahu, not hurt him - opinion

The article argues that foreign interference in Israel's election, likely by Russia, Iran, China, or Qatar, would probably benefit Prime Minister Netanyahu rather than his opponents. It cites the Shin Bet chief's warning and notes that such interference typically supports right-wing populist forces that weaken democratic institutions. The author contends that Israel's enemies prefer a weakened, isolated Israel, which they believe Netanyahu's government delivers.

In this opinion piece, Dan Perry argues that foreign interference in Israel's upcoming election would likely benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not his opponents. He cites Shin Bet chief David Zini's warning about potential interference from Russia, China, and Iran, but suggests that the real concern is not vote manipulation but public opinion manipulation. Perry notes that with polls showing the coalition headed toward defeat, there is suspicion that the government is laying groundwork to challenge the election's legitimacy, possibly echoing Trump's 2020 strategy. He argues that Russia's pattern of supporting right-wing populist movements that weaken democratic institutions suggests that Israel's enemies would prefer a weakened, isolated Israel, which they believe Netanyahu's government delivers. Perry contends that the current government's policies have led to diplomatic isolation and internal divisions, making it a gift to Israel's enemies. He concludes that Netanyahu has friends among those who seek to weaken Israel.