In Gaza, Israel’s general elections have been one of the most heatedly argued topics over the past few days. Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc lost a considerable number of seats — winning 31, down 11 from the previous term — while other center and left-leaning groups, most notably Yesh Atid and Labor, won a combined total of 59 of the 120 parliamentary seats.
Despite most in the media noting Netanyahu's weakened position in the next Israeli government, many Palestinians in Gaza seem to agree that the results will not effect their situation on the ground. The next Israeli government, many believe, will not bring about any change with regard to Palestinian issues such as the occupation, settlements, the right of return and recognition of their own state on the 1967 borders. The Israeli government will only pursue the “extremist and discriminatory” policies of its predecessors toward the Palestinians.
