Israel's election may end Netanyahu era but not 'forever wars'

Israel's election, scheduled for October, is evolving into a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's primary assertion: that he alone can ensure the nation's safety. After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Netanyahu may be facing the end of his political career, yet little seems poised to change. According to Israeli-American geopolitical expert Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, "Israel has never been less secure. In a country obsessed with security, this is what matters." Recent polls indicate that nearly two-thirds of Israelis believe Netanyahu should not seek re-election. This critical view stems not only from the intelligence failure on October 7 but also from the belief that he has intentionally extended conflicts to avoid legal repercussions, as noted by Middle East analyst Annelle Sheline. Meanwhile, despite Netanyahu's efforts, Iran's regime persists, with analysts observing an increased drive for nuclear armament.