How Israel’s elections could bring thaw with Syria
The next Israeli government could have an opportunity to secure several diplomatic wins involving the United States and Iran by improving relations with Syria.
If the upcoming Israeli elections produce a less hard-line government, a new chapter in Israeli-Syrian relations could emerge, as Israel would have incentives to stabilize its northern border with Syria, align itself more closely with Washington's regional priorities and explore cooperation with Damascus against Iran.
Some 7.3 million Israelis will head to the polls on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in an election that could reshape the political landscape of one of the Middle East’s most powerful states, with Syria's leadership among those closely watching the outcome.
Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough challenge from his former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, whose centrist Yashar party is leading the opposition in several polls and who has joined forces with an opposition bloc that includes former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, the current opposition leader, who are running on a joint ticket.
Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners have adopted hard-line positions toward the post-Assad Damascus government, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir last year calling for the assassination of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
