Netanyahu sues journalists; Dahlan resurfaces; elections loom

The prime minister files defamation suits as a Fatah figure reemerges for Gaza's 'day after' and October 27 elections approach.

Netanyahu sues journalists; Dahlan resurfaces; elections loom — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filed defamation lawsuits this evening against several senior journalists and media outlets, totaling nearly 3 million shekels.[^1] A Likud statement said the suits concern "the false libels that he supposedly received a warning before October 7."[^1] The move comes as Yair Avidan argues that Netanyahu avoids taking responsibility for failures, presenting his achievements as immunity from criticism, and calls for an independent commission of inquiry into the events of October 7.[^2] Twenty years after being expelled from Gaza, Fatah senior official Mohammed Dahlan (Abu Fadi) returns to center stage as a potential candidate to lead the Strip in the "day after."[^3] An Associated Press report reveals a plan by Hamas and Islamic Jihad to take over the Palestinian Authority by establishing a joint political body with Dahlan, should Abu Mazen order elections—a step not taken in 20 years.[^4] Dmitri Diliani, Dahlan's spokesman, criticized a Haaretz report claiming Dahlan was involved in conveying a warning to Israel about the October 7 attack, calling it "political headlines without context."[^5] Ari Shavit warns of dire scenarios in the upcoming elections on October 27: a victory of the October 7 bloc that would lead to Israel becoming a 'new South Africa.'[^6] Shavit concludes: 'Liberal unity, liberals. Liberal unity or defeat.'[^6] Meanwhile, content creators on TikTok and Instagram have taken on the role of virtual election guides for young people ahead of the 2026 elections.[^7] The elections have moved to TikTok—who explains to young people what the parties really offer?[^7] The question is whether these new platforms will shift the vote, or merely amplify existing polarization. US-Israel policy splits deepen as Senate blocks West Bank report and NY debate heats up — On Monday night, incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Democrat Cait Conley sparred in a heated debate over antisemitism and Israel policy in New York's 17th Congressional District. Both candidates expressed support for Israel and said they would vote against an amendment to cut $3.3 billion in annua