Israel faces political division and settler violence tensions

Internal tensions are rising within Benjamin Netanyahu’s political camp nine days before the Israeli elections. Reports indicate growing friction between the Likud party and allies, specifically regarding the potential loss of right-wing votes and declining Haredi participation. Netanyahu is reportedly focusing his campaign on strengthening Likud and preventing votes from being wasted on smaller parties that may fail to meet the electoral threshold.

Disputes have also emerged regarding future cabinet positions. While Netanyahu has stated that the Defense and National Security portfolios must remain with Likud, Itamar Ben-Gvir has expressed interest in the Defense ministry. Additionally, tensions exist between Netanyahu and other right-wing figures over the distribution of ministerial roles and the strategic direction of the campaign.

Separately, the Israeli opposition has condemned the government following an attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine by settlers in the West Bank. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the Netanyahu administration of fostering settler violence as a matter of policy rather than a failure of law enforcement. Lapid and other political figures warned that such incidents, including the targeting of international journalists, risk the international isolation of Israel.