Israel’s election may change its leader, but not Iran war policy

What happened: Israel's election next week may change its leader but not its Iran policy, regional policymakers and analysts say, with Iran remaining the chief adversary and military force the preferred tool. Why it matters: Analysts say a win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with far-right coalition backing could embolden him to step up the war with Iran and tighten Israel's grip on the occupied West Bank. Key numbers: Election next week; strategic assumptions hardened by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.

Israel's election next week may change its leader but not its Iran policy, regional policymakers and analysts say, with Iran remaining the chief adversary and military force the preferred tool.

Analysts say a win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with far-right coalition backing could embolden him to step up the war with Iran and tighten Israel's grip on the occupied West Bank. Key numbers: Election next week; strategic assumptions hardened by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.