Israel Election

Israel is facing a political deadlock following its first national election since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 and the devastating wars that followed. Exit polls suggest that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, has secured a clear parliamentary majority. With the final votes still being counted, Arab political parties could prove decisive in determining who forms the next government. But the political uncertainty comes against a backdrop of immense suffering in Gaza, continuing tensions in the occupied West Bank and the possibility of further regional conflict. What does this election mean for Israeli democracy, Palestinian rights and the future of the region? To discuss these questions, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Ray Murphy, Human Rights Professor at the University of Galway, and Donnacha O Beacháin, Associate Professor of Politics at DCU’s School of Law and Government, Newmarket-On-Fergus native. Photo (c) pronto8000 from Getty Images via Canva