In a statement, Vance clarified that he was neither against nor in favor of endorsing Netanyahu, saying "I'm not anti-endorsing him; I'm not pro-endorsing him." This stance contrasts sharply with Trump's full-throated endorsement of Netanyahu on Sunday, in which he warned that if Israel were to elect the wrong leader, America would have to step in and take matters into its own hands.

Trump's statement, posted on Truth Social, read: "If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so." He also sought to deflect criticism of his decision to stay out of the Israeli election by emphasizing that he only endorses American candidates.

Vance's presidential aspirations remain uncertain as he continues to weigh his options for 2028. Despite not having made a decision yet, he expressed confidence that Trump would endorse him if he decides to run.

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has drawn international concern, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning the recent violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Rubio stated that the US government was "very disturbed" by the images emerging from the region, particularly after American journalist Heidi Levine was attacked while working for The Washington Post.

Levine remains hospitalized following the assault, which has added to the growing tensions between Israel and Palestine amid the escalating settler violence in the occupied territories.

Vance's stance on Israel has been a subject of interest, particularly given his previous warnings against opposing US efforts to negotiate an end to the Iran conflict.

The American public's favorability towards the Israeli government has seen a decline in recent years, with a significant drop from 47% in 2022 to 32% in 2026, according to polling by the Pew Research Center.

NBC News Politics: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/jd-vance-declines-endorse-israel-prime-minister-netanyahu-trump-rcna604509

The attack occurred during a sensitive period - the olive harvest season - and is just one example of rampant settler violence that continues to plague the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed that such incidents are carried out by a small number of troublemakers, but critics argue that this downplays the severity of the issue.

Photographer Heidi Levine was left shaken by the incident and expressed her disappointment in a statement from her hospital bed. She took particular umbrage with Netanyahu's characterization of the attack as "alleged, citing the overwhelming evidence of settler involvement.

Levine received an outpouring of support from Israel's president, who condemned the attack in a personal call to the injured photographer. Several top former security and intelligence officials also signed a letter expressing their collective shame over the incident.

As Netanyahu faces growing international pressure on issues related to the settlements, this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the contentious nature of the West Bank dispute. With just two weeks left until crucial elections, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu will address the concerns of his critics and the international community.

The olive harvest season has been marked by an alarming number of attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, with hundreds reportedly targeted and a few losing their lives.

Photographer Linda Levine was among those attacked last week, with rights groups pointing to the destruction of olive trees - a vital part of Palestinian heritage and history. These incidents have sparked widespread concern about the increasing violence against Palestinians.

Levine herself has been covering the region for over 40 years and expressed her dismay at the current state of affairs in Israel. She attributed the attack on her to Jewish terrorists and highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that she had never seen the country in such a poor condition before.

The incident has also drawn condemnation from various quarters, including U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who described it as a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. He emphasized that those responsible should face severe punishment, including lengthy prison sentences.

Visits from high-profile figures have been made to Levine in her recovery period, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and former general Yair Golan among them. Herzog's words were particularly noteworthy, as he expressed his shame over the attack and referred to the perpetrators as a stain on Israeli society".

Levine's efforts to document the escalating violence in the West Bank have not gone unnoticed by a group of former Israeli officials who are speaking out against the actions of extremist settlers.

A letter signed by over a dozen former security and intelligence officials, including Moshe Yaalon, Tamir Pardo, and Ami Ayalon, was shared with the AP. The letter expresses deep shame and regret that Jewish terrorists in the West Bank continue to inflict harm on innocent Palestinians.

The signatories acknowledge that the brutality of these acts brings disgrace upon Israel and the Jewish people, undermining its security, regional standing, and moral fabric. They also note that such actions represent a betrayal of everything they have dedicated their lives to defending.

The recent attack on a photographer by settlers in the West Bank has left many Palestinians wondering who will protect them from such violence. Rights groups have noted that few settlers are held accountable for their actions, despite an increase in attacks over the years.

Despite being physically assaulted, the photographer is determined to continue her work, saying she has invested decades of dedication into her craft and refuses to let the attack break her spirit. Her words seem to be a direct challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who she feels should take action to address the surge in settler violence.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/photographer-attacked-settlers-west-bank-feels-insulted-netanyahu-137363206

The decision to endorse Netanyahu was not made public until Sunday, when Trump shared a post on social media praising the embattled prime minister. In his statement, Trump referred to Netanyahu as "a Great Warrior Prime Minister" and commended his efforts in combating Iran.

Netanyahu has been seeking to capitalize on his close relationship with Trump throughout his campaign. However, it appears that he had initially expected an endorsement from the American president earlier in the election process. The delay may have contributed to a sense of uncertainty among Netanyahu's supporters.

The Israeli elections are scheduled for October 27th, following a series of events including the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. This has added an extra layer of complexity and tension to the campaign.

Netanyahu's Likud Party responded quickly to Trump's endorsement by posting a video showcasing their joint efforts. The statement from Netanyahu himself was brief but enthusiastic, thanking Trump for his support and promising to continue working together.

The impact of Trump's endorsement on the election outcome remains uncertain, with many analysts pointing out that opinions about the American president are divided among Israelis. Some have expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete results in the Iran war effort.

As the Israeli general election approaches, US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bid for reelection. In a post on social media, Trump reiterated his threat to take action against Iran if it doesn't change its ways quickly, but hinted that he might not feel compelled to do so if Netanyahu loses the election.

Trump's statement suggests that he sees Netanyahu as a key partner in achieving his foreign policy goals, particularly with regards to Iran. The President stated that America would have to intervene if Israel has the "wrong Leader", implying that Netanyahu is the right one for him. This endorsement comes despite Trump's past comments on Netanyahu being more subdued.

Trump's past support for Netanyahu goes back several years, and he has even sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in November asking for a pardon for Netanyahu on corruption charges. The President has also sought to give his stamp of approval to candidates in foreign elections, claiming credit when they are successful.

In his second term, Trump has been active in endorsing politicians abroad, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He has also endorsed several Latin American leaders, demonstrating his interest in shaping the course of international politics through his endorsements.

The President's endorsement of Netanyahu is significant given his track record of using social media to back candidates he supports. Trump's statement on Netanyahu may be seen as an attempt to boost the Prime Minister's chances in the upcoming election, but it remains to be seen how much impact it will have on the outcome.

The endorsement by former US President Donald Trump of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection may be seen as an attempt to bolster Netanyahu's chances in the upcoming election, but its impact on the outcome remains uncertain.

Trump and Netanyahu have had a close relationship, with their bond appearing stronger than ever after joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities in 2025. However, during the nearly eight-month war between Israel and Iran this year, they have not seen eye-to-eye on several key issues. Trump expressed disagreement with Israel's decision to attack an Iranian gas field early in the conflict.

Netanyahu has also pushed back against a stalled ceasefire plan proposed by Trump's administration for Gaza. In August, Netanyahu rejected the US proposal, which called for Israel to withdraw from territory it controls in Gaza until Hamas was disarmed, and instead opted to maintain its current control over the area.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-endorses-embattled-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-137361719

Zacharia's tenure was marked by controversy from the start. She held only one press briefing on Tuesday, which drew attention from just three news outlets. This limited engagement suggests she struggled to establish herself in her new role. Her defense of being a lawyer despite lacking bar certification has raised eyebrows within the legal community.

In California, multiple large brush fires are forcing residents to evacuate their homes. A blaze in Malibu prompted evacuation orders and warnings for those living in the Santa Monica Mountains. Another fire burned several homes in Orange County, with power companies shutting off service to tens of thousands of customers.

The West Bank is also witnessing unrest as Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians collecting their autumn olive harvest. Dozens of cars and trees were set ablaze during the violence, which has sparked outrage among Palestinian communities. The situation remains tense, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.

Strong Santa Ana winds have been making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour in some areas.

The hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, further increasing the risk of fires spreading.

In a separate incident, violence erupted in the West Bank as dozens of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians gathered for their autumn olive harvest. The settlers set cars and trees ablaze, while masked men chased and beat people with gas canisters.

More than a dozen people were injured across at least eight villages, including American photojournalist Heidi Levine from The Washington Post. She described the attackers as "monsters who are giving Israel a bad name worldwide.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence but questioned the circumstances surrounding the assault, saying they remain unclear and under investigation, while The Washington Post expressed outrage over the attack on one of their journalists.

President Trump has expressed his disapproval of Ukraine's decision to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling it a disgrace". This move comes after a brief pause in such attacks following Trump's declaration of an energy cease-fire on Sunday.

However, Russia continued its own strikes despite the temporary halt by Ukraine. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in intense military activities, with Kyiv facing significant challenges in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening in Ukraine, with reports emerging that at least 15 people were injured nationwide due to recent Russian attacks. Furthermore, a sharp increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties has been reported over the past few weeks, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that Pope Leo held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, during which he expressed his deep concern for the humanitarian situation in the occupied town of Oleshky near the front lines.

The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the Vatican's call for humanitarian aid to reach residents in a occupied town.

Meanwhile, new images of Pope Leo have been released by the Vatican, showing him celebrating mass at a hospital in Rome where he is being treated following his recent lung cancer surgery. Church officials indicate that Pope Leo plans to deliver traditional prayers this Sunday, although it remains unclear whether he will do so from the Vatican or remotely from the hospital.

PBS NewsHour Politics: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-zacharia-out-as-white-house-press-secretary-after-less-than-a-week-on-the-job

The coordinated attack was part of a rising trend of settler violence during the olive harvest season in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to eyewitnesses, dozens of masked and black-clad militants descended from a hill above a terraced olive grove where villagers were gathered to pick ripe fruit.

Some 80 settlers, including those carrying gas canisters, took positions in front of the lanes of olive trees, using slings to launch rocks towards Palestinian villagers. The villagers responded by throwing stones to defend themselves as tensions escalated.

The attack occurred during a cherished annual tradition in Palestinian life, where families gather to harvest olives from their land. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with settlers burning olive trees and throwing rocks at Palestinians.

The injured American journalist is a photographer for The Washington Post, but details about his condition are not immediately available.

The violence escalated as Israeli soldiers and border police arrived on the scene, but instead of intervening, they joined in the assault against the Palestinian villagers. The sound of live gunfire filled the air, causing even more panic among those caught in the crossfire.

Witnesses described seeing at least one armed settler firing a gun during the attack, while others reported that Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters into the crowd. The chaos was intense, with people running for their lives as the situation rapidly spiralled out of control.

The Israeli military claimed that its troops had deployed to the area in response to a perceived threat and had fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. However, Palestinian medics reported two injuries among the villagers, with both individuals being taken to hospitals in Ramallah.

Video footage from the scene showed Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for The Washington Post, lying on her side on a dirt path as she shielded herself from the chaos around her. At least three settlers surrounded her, while others were seen fleeing the area amidst the gunfire and tear gas.

The Israeli military's statement downplayed the severity of the situation, describing the firing of warning shots and towards an individual who was perceived to be a threat as necessary measures to maintain security in the region. However, Palestinian officials condemned the attack as another example of Israel's ongoing efforts to incite violence against its civilian population.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season, with many accusing the government of turning a blind eye to these incidents. The latest attack has sparked widespread outrage among Palestinians and their international supporters, who are demanding greater action from the international community to address Israel's ongoing human rights abuses in the occupied territories.

Levine's harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists reporting in the West Bank. The Washington Post photographer was attacked by Israeli settlers while covering the olive harvest, a critical time for Palestinian farmers who rely on their crops to make a living.

The attack left Levine with injuries, but fortunately she was wearing a flak jacket and helmet that helped protect her from more severe harm. Her colleagues intervened quickly to stop the assault, which allowed medics to rush her to a clinic in Abu Falah before transferring her to a hospital in Ramallah for further treatment.

As news of the attack spread, Washington Post executives expressed outrage at the incident. In a statement, executive editor Matt Murray called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing that Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist and therefore entitled to protection.

The Israeli settler violence against Palestinians has seen a significant surge in recent weeks, with over 170 incidents recorded since September 27, according to monitoring group Yesh Din. This escalation is attributed to the influence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, which has overseen a rapid expansion of settlements and smaller outposts across the West Bank.

The international community has been increasingly critical of Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, with some longtime allies considering sanctions.

This criticism is largely driven by the fact that the West Bank is home to both over 500,000 settlers and a population of at least three million Palestinians, with most countries deeming the settlements illegal under international law regarding military occupations.

The recent attacks on Palestinian farmers in the Turmus Ayya village, including one where settlers burned three cars after attacking a group of olive harvesters, have drawn widespread condemnation.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261016-us-journalist-injured-during-israeli-settler-attack-on-west-bank-olive-harvest

The statement was made by Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a former Revolutionary Guard commander. Rezaei's comments were carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, which reported his warning that if fighting intensifies again, Tehran will target data centers and cables in the region.

Iran has been locked in a protracted dispute with the United States over issues such as nuclear development and maritime security. The two nations have engaged in diplomatic efforts to find common ground, but progress remains slow. Iran's delegation to the annual U.N. gathering of world leaders last month proposed a revised agreement that would expedite an existing memorandum of understanding.

The proposal was met with rejection by the United States, but the two sides continue to maintain communication through mediation. Despite this, Rezaei stated that Iran is no longer responding to U.S. proposals and is instead waiting for Washington to clarify certain issues.

Tehran's stance has significant implications for regional security, particularly as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high. The situation has been further complicated by recent developments in Israel, where former attorney general Avichai Mandelblit testified in corruption cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose political future hangs in the balance ahead of upcoming elections.

The Iranian government has made it clear that they will not hesitate to target sensitive sites in the region if the current conflict escalates further. This warning comes from a senior official who threatened to attack cables, data centers, AI facilities and other sites in the area.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's navy has issued a stern warning to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel that fails to keep its navigation and identification systems active will be considered hostile, according to an IRNA report. This move follows a recent increase in attacks on ships transiting the strait, which began after Iran's proposal was rejected.

In other developments related to the ongoing conflict, former Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has taken the witness stand in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial. Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu seven years ago for fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes, marking the first time a sitting prime minister had faced such charges.

The testimony is particularly significant given that Mandelblit was handpicked by Netanyahu himself to serve as Attorney General, a position he held until 2022. Netanyahu has been accused of offering favors to wealthy associates and media moguls in exchange for political gain, but denies any wrongdoing.

In Saudi Arabia, another attack on the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has caused damage to the same passenger terminal that was hit over the weekend. The airport had already been closed following Saturday's attack, which killed 12 people, and Saudi authorities report injuries from Sunday's strike.

The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has taken a deadly turn, with both sides trading blows in recent days. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with civilians caught in the crossfire.

In an effort to raise awareness about the risks of flying in Saudi airspace, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, has issued a stark warning to travelers and airlines alike. His message is clear: those who underestimate the threat posed by the conflict do so at their own peril.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, residents are still reeling from the aftermath of Israeli strikes that have left homes in ruins and families without shelter. Bassam Abed, a local resident, paints a grim picture of the devastation: entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, with little time for people to evacuate or salvage their belongings.

The Israeli military claims its actions were targeted at militant infrastructure, including rocket launch sites and command centers used by Hamas militants. However, the strikes have also had a devastating impact on civilians, who are caught in the midst of the conflict. One year after a ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas, the situation remains precarious.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to criticism over the country's military actions in Gaza by launching an investigation into those who participated in a new documentary that sheds light on civilian casualties during the conflict. The film, NAZA, has sparked controversy with its portrayal of Israeli military tactics and their impact on civilians.

The documentary NAZA" has reignited tensions between Israel and the international community, sparking heated debates about the Israeli military's actions in Gaza.

The controversy surrounding the film is taking place against a backdrop of heightened security concerns for Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election, where his handling of national security will be closely scrutinized by voters.

Lebanon has also been affected by the ongoing conflict, with its army reporting that a retired officer was killed by Israeli artillery fire in the southern town of Yater, prompting condemnation from the Lebanese military.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/11/iran-war-cables-data-centers-ai-facilities-gulf-region/

Mandelblit's testimony marks a significant development in the trial, which has been ongoing for several years. The charges against Netanyahu were the first-ever brought against a sitting Israeli prime minister, sparking intense scrutiny of his administration. The prime minister himself was present in court to hear Mandelblit's account.

Avichai Mandelblit had previously served as Cabinet secretary under Netanyahu before being appointed attorney general. His close relationship with the prime minister has raised questions about potential bias in his testimony. Despite these concerns, Mandelblit is expected to provide crucial insight into the allegations against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu's corruption trial centers on claims that he offered favors and benefits to wealthy associates and media moguls in exchange for political gain. The prime minister denies any wrongdoing, but the charges have weighed heavily on his reputation and influence. With national elections just weeks away, the outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Netanyahu's future.

In a separate development, Saudi Arabia has gone on high alert following a deadly strike by Yemen's Houthi rebels at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The country's main international airport remained closed on Sunday as authorities scrambled to respond to the attack.

The threat of further violence hangs over Saudi Arabia as rebels warn of new airstrikes across the kingdom following a devastating missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The assault killed 12 people and injured more than 300 on Saturday, sparking widespread condemnation.

The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for this latest attack, but did acknowledge two previous strikes on the same airport earlier in the week. Their military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, has urged all parties to take their warnings seriously.

The escalating conflict between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war, further complicating efforts to halt the US-Iran crisis. The situation is being closely watched by global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who is considering whether to join Saudi strikes against the rebels.

This move could have far-reaching consequences, potentially prompting the Houthis to block shipping through a key waterway and restricting oil exports from the Persian Gulf region.

The Israeli military has continued its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, launching near-daily strikes over the past year despite a ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides.

This escalation in violence raises concerns about stability in the region, particularly as Israel's actions could have significant implications for neighboring countries and global trade routes. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has disrupted air traffic in the area and raised questions about Hezbollah's influence in parts of Lebanon.

The recent decision by the White House to lift a decades-old ban on direct flights between the U.S. and Lebanon could be impacted by these developments, as airlines may be hesitant to resume service given the security concerns. The move was announced following President Trump's commitment to lifting the ban in July, but its implementation is still uncertain.

The lifting of the flight ban is seen as a significant development for bilateral relations between the U.S. and Lebanon, with both countries' embassies welcoming the decision as a major step forward.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/saudi-arabia-alert-aide-testifies-netanyahu-trial-mideast-137175749

Netanyahu's close relationship with the Trump administration has been a defining feature of his time in office, with the two entities working in tandem since President Trump returned to the presidency. The alignment between the US and Israeli governments has led to significant policy shifts on issues such as the Middle East peace process.

The anniversary of the devastating October 7 attacks was marked across Israel yesterday, but as the nation prepares for elections, the country is still grappling with the aftermath of those traumatic events and their impact on its politics.

As the Israeli election season heats up, officials are scrutinizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the October 7 attacks, which left scores dead and many more displaced.

In a move that could have significant implications for the campaign, US diplomats in Israel have been reviewing documents and internal communications related to the government's response to the attacks. This review is likely to shed light on whether Washington policymakers received accurate and timely information about what was happening on the ground.

Former US Ambassador Daniel Shapiro has weighed in on the importance of clear reporting from embassies. He emphasized that diplomats need unbiased, unvarnished information about local developments to effectively serve the country's interests.

The controversy surrounding Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the October 7 events continues to dominate discussions ahead of Israel's election. According to sources, a memo detailing his response to the attacks was never sent to Washington, fueling questions about his leadership during this critical period.

Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has responded to the allegations, dismissing them as a "hit piece. He categorically refuted the claims, stating that the embassy's reporting should reflect the ambassador's own views and judgments. This assertion highlights the complex relationship between diplomatic reporting and policy-making, where ambassadors must balance objectivity with their role in shaping Washington's stance on key issues.

As the election approaches, the shadow of Hamas terrorist attacks continues to loom large over Israeli politics. With three years having passed since the events, the impact of those incidents remains a dominant theme in the campaign. The ongoing debate surrounding Netanyahu's handling of the crisis is likely to persist as voters weigh their options and consider what kind of leadership they want for their country.

The October 7 attacks have become a central issue in Israel's election, with voters weighing Netanyahu's handling of the crisis against his opponents' claims that he was unprepared and slow to respond.

Opposition candidates, led by Gadi Eisenkot as part of a coalition of parties, are criticizing Netanyahu for having policies that underestimated Hamas' capabilities and intentions in Gaza. They argue that this lack of preparation and response in real time contributed to the severity of the attacks. This criticism aims to cement the case against Netanyahu continuing in office.

Netanyahu's allies, however, deflect blame onto security and intelligence chiefs, as well as generals in the military, saying they were asleep at the switch". This shift in responsibility raises questions about accountability for the handling of the crisis.

The opposition's claims are being made to voters who will soon cast their ballots and decide what kind of leadership they want for their country. The debate surrounding Netanyahu's role in the October 7 attacks is likely to persist as voters weigh their options.

The handling of the October 7 attacks has become a contentious issue in Israel's election, with voters questioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in the events leading up to the assault.

Critics argue that Netanyahu was not adequately informed about the situation on the morning of the attack, and that he did not have sufficient time to make key decisions in response. This lack of preparedness has sparked debate over Netanyahu's ability to effectively handle security threats facing Israel.

In an effort to regain support from his traditional base, Netanyahu is attempting to convince voters that he remains a capable leader who can address the country's ongoing security concerns. However, with polls indicating a close election outcome, it is possible that neither major party will secure enough seats to form a coalition government.

The fallout from this potential stalemate could see Netanyahu remaining in office as a caretaker prime minister until another election is held in a few months' time.

The handling of the October 7 events is emerging as a critical factor in Israel's upcoming election. This development could potentially make it easier for US President Donald Trump to achieve his objectives in the Middle East during his remaining two years in office.

With a prime minister other than Benjamin Netanyahu and his extreme right-wing coalition, Trump's advisors believe that advancing initiatives like rebuilding Gaza, normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and expanding the Abraham Accords might be more feasible.

PBS NewsHour Politics: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/netanyahus-handling-of-oct-7-emerges-as-key-issue-in-israeli-election