Israel's political system is bracing for a pivotal week as parties line up behind rival candidates to form the next government, even as former military chief Herzi Halevi publicly addressed the failures of 7 October for the first time. On the security front, indirect talks with Iran continue in Doha, with both sides trading warnings about a potential third round of conflict.

Politics

Naftali Bennett announced that his B'Yachad party will formally recommend Yisrael Beiteinu's Gadi Eisenkot to receive the mandate to form the next government, ahead of consultations with President Isaac Herzog. The move follows Bennett's earlier refusal during the election campaign to commit to backing Eisenkot. However, tensions have surfaced within the bloc: Avigdor Liberman reportedly criticised Eisenkot in a tense meeting, arguing that his pursuit of a minority government damaged the change bloc's electoral chances, and voiced doubt over whether Eisenkot's party could field a suitably experienced candidate to replace the Knesset speaker. Within Shas, reports suggest Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Abutbul may resign from the Knesset to make way for list member Ariel Bosso, reportedly at the request of the Council of Torah Sages, with Deri potentially becoming an honorary chairman; Shas officially dismissed the reports as baseless rumour. Separately, senior figures in United Torah Judaism are weighing whether to withhold any recommendation altogether while awaiting a direct approach from Eisenkot, and are considering abstaining on a vote to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, a move that could pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu. Meanwhile, the chair of the Central Elections Committee, alongside the Shin Bet chief, stated firmly that an ongoing investigation into suspected foreign influence would not affect the validity of the election results, a position Likud quickly challenged.

Security

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi addressed the events of 7 October publicly for the first time at the 'Rule of Law' conference in New York, rejecting claims of internal betrayal. 'There was absolutely no betrayal. The political and military leadership must say that loudly and clearly,' he said, describing the day as a failure rather than treachery. Halevi explained that the prevailing assessment beforehand was that Hamas did not want war, and that Iran had been treated as the top priority, calling for a state commission of inquiry. Separately, military sources confirmed that the IDF has been deliberately avoiding targeting certain Hamas municipal officials in Gaza, amid concern that their deaths could trigger a collapse of governing institutions in the territory. On the Iran front, talks mediated by Qatar entered a third day in Doha, with Iranian officials warning that any renewed war could last longer than the previous conflict and that Washington would not dictate its duration, while the US State Department said the 'hand of negotiation' remains extended. Separately, reports indicate Israel and the US have a plan prepared for a potential third round of conflict with Iran, with Israeli officials pressing Washington to address Iran's fortified underground facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, which Tehran regards as a strategic priority.

International

More than 100 people were arrested outside the US embassy in London after expressing support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation under 2025 legislation, making such expressions of support a criminal offence. In France, prosecutors have opened an investigation into attempted murder after Molotov cocktail attacks on police during nationwide unrest, with footage showing an officer engulfed in flames in Paris. Hundreds have been arrested across the country, though no suspects have yet been linked to that specific incident.

Other Developments

A third man has been sentenced to prison for stealing sound equipment belonging to a company co-owned by Matan Lior, who was murdered at the Nova festival after helping evacuate attendees under fire. Separately, an Israeli special forces fighter who was severely wounded in the fighting in Ofakim on the morning of the 7 October attacks, and who underwent extensive surgery and rehabilitation while completing a university degree, has returned to active service; he was recently hosted by the Beersheba mayor, who praised his resilience.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post