Israel's election may change its leader, but not its strategy toward Iran, military force, and Palestinian statehood

Israel's upcoming election, scheduled for next week, is unlikely to alter the country's fundamental security strategy, according to regional policymakers and analysts. The strategic assumptions underpinning Israeli policy were hardened by the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the subsequent wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. As a result, Iran will remain Israel's chief adversary, military force will continue to be the preferred tool, and Palestinian statehood will remain a distant prospect. The election may change the leader, but not the direction of policy.