Israel votes amid Netanyahu's warnings, Trump support, and Iran tensions

Israel holds its first parliamentary elections since the October 7, 2023 attacks, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to retain power against a centrist opposition led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. The vote is a referendum on Netanyahu's long tenure and his handling of security, with polls showing a tight race and no clear majority for either bloc. Source: El Confidencial, Diario Libre

Campaign and security

Netanyahu has centered his campaign on the threat from Iran, warning that Tehran and its allies may try to disrupt the vote and vowing "disproportionate" and "crushing" blows if attacked. Source: Clarín, La Voz del Interior He also shared an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv, arguing that only he can complete the military campaign against Iran. Source: Milenio His main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, calls for national unity and an end to Netanyahu's divisive rule, though he also opposes a Palestinian state. Source: Listín Diario

Trump's endorsement and internal divisions

US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Netanyahu, urging Israelis to vote for "Bibi" and saying they must "finish the job" against Iran. Source: El Nacional, Infobae However, Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Trump's support will not influence his decision on whom to task with forming a government. Source: Infobae Meanwhile, a reported rift has emerged between Netanyahu and the Israeli army chief, Eyal Zamir, who refused to order new strikes on Iran before the elections, warning it would constitute electoral interference. Source: El Español Iran's foreign ministry dismissed the elections as a "competition between different gangs to commit more acts of evil" and said it is indifferent to the outcome. Source: Infobae