Israel's Gaza war fuels rightward surge as election approaches
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu links the Gaza conflict to his security platform ahead of the Oct 27 vote, while analysts say the war is pushing Israeli politics further right.
In the final weeks before the Oct 27 election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of imminent attacks and highlighted recent Israeli killings of "terrorists" in Gaza, framing the war as central to his security agenda. Analysts contend that the Gaza conflict, which began after the Oct 7 Hamas assault, has accelerated a rightward swing in Israeli politics, normalising extremist positions once considered fringe. Far-right ministers such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have called for extending Gaza-style operations to the West Bank and annexation, while rivals like Moshe Feiglin echo similar rhetoric.
Polls indicate Netanyahu retains a lead, though his record on the 2023 attacks and alleged prior warnings from Egypt and the UAE are used by opponents to question his fitness. Public opinion remains focused on security, with a June survey showing strong support for military solutions and little appetite for a two-state resolution, even as the Ministry of Defence reports rising psychological trauma among troops. Overall, the election appears set to cement a more militarised, expansionist agenda rather than shift toward diplomatic compromise.
Why it matters
The election will determine whether Israel deepens its hard-line, militarised approach to the Palestinian issue.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 EU debates ban on settlement products as Israeli forces raze West Bank homes
- Sep 14 British foreign secretary expected to announce a trade ban on settlement‑linked goods.
- Sep 18 The UN rights office issued a warning that the displacement of over 33,000 refugees from West Bank camps may amount to crimes against humanity.
- Sep 23 A man in his forties was seriously wounded when a vehicle rammed a police car at a checkpoint near Modi'in on the road to the West Bank.
- Sep 23 The checkpoint’s security personnel have been reinforced and an investigation launched.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Sep 28 Ed Miliband told the Labour conference that the UK will act on Palestine, backing sanctions on Israeli settlements and supporting a two-state solution.
- Sep 29 Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the raid.
- Oct 3 Miliband pledged comprehensive sanctions and a ban on imports and services that support Israeli settlements.
- Oct 5 Labour MP Emily Thornberry called on Britain to defy Israel’s directive to close its consulate in East Jerusalem, calling the move illegal retaliation.
- Oct 6 Powell’s talks concluded without an agreement before the 30‑day deadline.
- Oct 6 Opposition leaders met to outline a coordinated electoral strategy.
- Oct 8 Consular staff removed the plaque and signage after the closure deadline passed.
- Oct 10 The consulate was officially renamed the UK Mission, Jerusalem and its staff was reduced to seven.
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