Arab states warn new war could erupt after Israel election and US Congress vote

Arab observers anticipate that the upcoming Israeli election, followed by the US congressional elections, could trigger a new round of hostilities in the Middle East. They argue that Israel’s current government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has abandoned its traditional stabilising approach for a more aggressive doctrine, conducting strikes in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, and even targeting Qatar. Netanyahu’s campaign included calls for a regime change in Iran, and recent reports suggest he urged President Donald Trump to launch a fresh attack on Tehran.

Experts expect that, irrespective of the election outcome, Israel will maintain this confrontational policy, and a less confrontational premier would not resolve the Palestinian issue. US officials are reportedly preparing attack plans, and Trump has hinted at possible strikes after the congressional vote. In response, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and others sent a high-level delegation to Tehran to avert a wider war, though analysts remain skeptical about its impact. The broader concern among Arab states is that a period of uncertainty in Israel could increase the likelihood of a new escalation across the region.