The Middle East looks to the ballot box: What are they saying about the elections in Israel?

The elections in Israel are generating interest across the Middle East. Hamas's Khalil al-Hayya claimed there is no difference between the Israeli parties. Hezbollah asserted it refrained from attacks to avoid keeping Netanyahu in power. Criticism of Netanyahu came from Turkey and Jordan.

The upcoming elections in Israel are drawing attention from terrorist organizations and regional leaders, according to Channel 14. Khalil al-Hayya, chairman of Hamas's political bureau, said in an interview with the Qatari channel Al-Arabi that from the Palestinians' perspective, there is no difference between the various parties in Israel. Raad Barou, a Hezbollah parliament member, claimed the organization refrained from attacking Israel to avoid canceling the elections and keeping Netanyahu in power. Reactions also came from Turkey: President Erdogan's spokesman attacked Netanyahu, claiming his cheap politics are meant to give him an advantage in the elections, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Netanyahu of trying to portray himself as a hero. Jordan's King Abdullah II issued an official statement warning of the danger of increased escalation as the elections approach.