הפיצול הפוליטי של ישראל ומשבר הביטחון הרב-חזיתי מעמיקים לקראת הבחירות באוקטובר

Internal battles and new parties fracture the right-wing bloc

Likud Primaries and Coalition Fragmentation — The week opened with Likud primaries marked by allegations of vote-buying, coercion, and internal chaos, as 40 contenders vied for 16 realistic slots due to Netanyahu's reserved spots. Ben-Gvir claimed four Likud MKs wanted to join him, signaling coalition fragmentation, while polls showed Likud dropping to 20-22 seats and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party surging to 26 seats. Netanyahu dismissed the airport workers' committee chairman from Likud after a strike shut down Ben Gurion Airport, further highlighting internal tensions. New parties emerged as Ofer Winter prepared a right-wing rebellion and Gilad Erdan left Likud to form 'Achdut,' threatening coalition math. The opposition bloc reached 60 seats in polls, close to forming a government. Haredi leaders threatened consumer boycotts over draft sanctions, and coalition funds were frozen by the High Court. The political landscape remains highly fragmented with multiple small right-wing parties risking failure to pass the electoral threshold. West Bank Violence and Settler Attacks Surge — Settler violence in the West Bank surged, with an attack in Hebron injuring 10 Palestinians under Israeli military protection, and 3,488 attacks recorded in 2026. Settlers attacked Palestinian towns and municipal crews, and a nine-day siege on homes in Qusra continued. The IDF conducted raids resulting in casualties, while troops evacuated residents for observation in Kussra, drawing criticism for heavy-handed tactics. An explosive drone attack injured three soldiers, highlighting the IDF's ongoing challenge against Hezbollah drones. The IDF sealed two Hamas tunnels in Gaza, held 64-65% of the Strip's territory, and eliminated four Hamas Nukhba commanders and a company commander. The Air Force received a second KC-46 refueling aircraft, and the Navy implemented structural changes to coastal defense against Hamas's improvised boats. Stalled Gaza Ceasefire and US-Hamas Channel — US envoy Jared Kushner arrived in Israel to push Netanyahu on the Gaza plan, and Hamas leaders met with US officials to discuss a 15-point roadmap. Hamas expressed readiness to disarm, but Israel insisted on

הפיצול הפוליטי של ישראל ומשבר הביטחון הרב-חזיתי מעמיקים לקראת הבחירות באוקטובר