Arab Media Focuses Closely on Upcoming Israeli Knesset Elections and Candidates
Arab media outlets closely analyze Israel's upcoming Knesset elections, focusing on Benny Gantz's withdrawal, comparisons between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, and the potential impact of US support and Arab voter turnout.
With the Israeli Knesset elections approaching, Arab media outlets are closely monitoring the political landscape, analyzing candidate strengths, and critiquing political trajectories.
Benny Gantz and the Egyptian Media Critique
Following Benny Gantz's withdrawal from the race, Egyptian channel Al-Ghad broadcasted sharp commentary from analyst Amal Arabi, who labeled Gantz a political novice who could not be relied upon. Arabi noted that after joining the government on October 11, 2023, polls suggested Gantz's faction could have reached 40 mandates, making it the largest in the Knesset. However, by remaining in the government, he allegedly fell into a political trap, leading the public to view his actions critically.
Al-Arabiya Compares Netanyahu and Eisenkot
Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya aired a comprehensive comparison between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot, touching upon the Gaza conflict, responsibility for the events of October 7, and the Palestinian issue. The network emphasized that the outcome of the elections could heavily depend on the turnout of Arab voters in Israel. According to Al-Arabiya, Arab minority leaders have urged high participation rates in an attempt to unseat Netanyahu.
On security policy, the network contrasted Netanyahu's emphasis on continued military pressure and the dismantling of Hamas with Eisenkot's call for a clear security strategy, bolstered border defense, and the establishment of a state commission of inquiry regarding October 7.
Trump's Endorsement and Regional Perspectives
Writing in the Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat, analyst Nazir Magally examined whether US President Donald Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu would decisively influence voters. Magally suggested that while the endorsement could rally right-wing voters who previously distanced themselves from the premier, its broader appeal across the general Israeli electorate remains limited.
Meanwhile, in comments to N12, Egyptian writer and researcher Mohamed Saad Khairallah highlighted a perceived gap between ordinary Arab citizens—who often view Israeli political figures through a similar lens—and regional regimes and intellectual circles, which generally favor a change in Israel's leadership.
