Diplomatic isolation, election tensions, and security escalations define a volatile week in Israel and the Middle East
Likud drops in polls, opposition bloc leads as coalition infighting and candidate disqualifications dominate
Election campaign heats up with coalition tensions and shifting polls — The Israeli election campaign intensified throughout the week, with polls showing the opposition bloc gaining a lead over Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition. A Maariv poll on September 25 showed the opposition bloc leading with 55 seats, while Netanyahu's bloc dropped to 49, and only 34% of Israelis wanted Netanyahu as prime minister. Polymarket odds shifted, with Likud falling to 39% against Yashar's lead, and turnout gaps were seen as a potential deciding factor for the October 27 election. Coalition tensions were evident as Itamar Ben Gvir accused Netanyahu's office of undermining his position, and his party demanded the Defense portfolio. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was attacked in Bnei Brak while filming a campaign video, highlighting heated election tensions. The Central Elections Committee disqualified Ra'am and Ofer Cassif from running, though the Supreme Court was expected to overturn the disqualification. Gadi Eisenkot challenged the coalition's legitimacy, claiming Bennett and Lieberman violated an agreement that the largest party's leader would become prime minister. The Satmar-affiliated organization faced a temporary injunction from the Central Elections Committee for offering $200 to voters, citing grave election law concerns. Opposition leader Lapid hosted leaders of the change bloc for talks on election coordination, while the Change Bloc leaders met to divide target audiences. UN General Assembly deepens diplomatic rifts and US-Israel tensions — The UN General Assembly week saw multiple diplomatic flashpoints affecting Israel. French President Macron's statement that Hamas never ruled the West Bank drew sharp condemnation from Israeli officials and media, with a French diplomatic source later clarifying the remark was mistranslated. Netanyahu held up a Starlink device at the UN and attacked NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, sparking backlash from US officials. VP Vance claimed Trump is more willing to part ways with Netanyahu, widening the US-Israel rift. A major story that dominated international media but was absent from Israeli domestic coverage was the NYT repor