Israel Policy Pod

Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Israel Policy Pod host Neri Zilber hosts Israel Policy Forum Chief Policy Officer Dr. Michael J. Koplow and RAND Distinguished Chair Dr. Shira Efron to unpack last week’s Israeli election results, how the outcome compares with expectations, and what comes next. They discuss Benjamin Netanyahu’s dangerous “stop the steal” campaign to delegitimize Arab-Israeli votes and undermine the results, before examining four possible scenarios: Netanyahu remaining prime minister, a minority government led by Gadi Eisenkot, a unity government between the two leaders, or another election.
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With Neri on the ground this week covering the results of the Israeli election, we're offering a new episode of our other podcast, Disputed Territory, here on the Israel Policy Pod feed.  Israelis have gone to the polls after years of war, political upheaval, and growing divisions over the country's future. But beyond the election results, what does this moment reveal about Israeli society - and where the country is headed?
Disputed Territory host Shanie Reichman sits down with Israeli peace activist Eran Nissan, a member of the Israeli Democrats Party and former CEO of Mehazkim, to unpack the election and the forces shaping Israel's political future.
They discuss what drove Israeli voters, whether traditional left-right divisions still define Israeli politics, and where the Israeli-Palestinian conflict fits into the national conversation. They also explore the challenges facing Israel's next government, the limits of political change, and what's at stake for the country's future as a Jewish and democratic state.
How are Israeli election results calculated? IPF explains, in brief: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2026/10/26/how-are-israeli-election-results-calculated/

How is an Israeli government formed? IPF explains, in brief: https://israelpolicyforum.org/2026/10/26/how-is-an-israeli-government-formed/

Visit Israel Policy Forum's 120 Project for the latest updates and analysis on Israeli elections: https://israelpolicyforum.org/onetwenty

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Support for Disputed Territory is provided by the Bronfman Hauptman Foundation.
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On this week’s episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts RAND’s Distinguished Chair for Israel Policy Shira Efron and Israel Policy Forum Chief Policy Officer Michael Koplow to preview next Tuesday’s high-stakes Israeli election. They examine Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection chances and enduring appeal among his right-wing base, the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition campaign led by Gadi Eisenkot, the fate of smaller parties hovering around the electoral threshold, and how Arab-Israeli voters could swing the race. They also offer predictions for election day and the weeks ahead, including whether either side will be able to form a new government.

Finally, they reflect on the tragic death of our dear friend and past podcast guest Aziz Alghashian, a leading researcher of Saudi-Israel relations whose work helped advance dialogue and understanding across the region. They remember his contributions as a scholar and bridge-builder, as well as the warmth, respect, and good humor he brought to difficult conversations.
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In this episode, Neri Zilber, Israel Policy Forum policy advisor and host of Israel Policy Pod, is joined by Tal Schneider, political and diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, to discuss her recent book on women in combat during the October 7 war and the latest developments in Israel's election campaign.

They examine Gadi Eisenkot's prospects of becoming Israel's next prime minister, his personal and political background, and his potential policy priorities, including on the West Bank. They also explore whether Eisenkot could successfully lead a new government, possible post-election scenarios, and what the election could mean for Benjamin Netanyahu's political future.
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In this episode, Neri Zilber, Israel Policy Forum policy advisor and host of Israel Policy Pod, is joined by Amir Tibon, Haaretz journalist and author of The Gates of Gaza, to discuss his family’s survival of the October 7 attack and their difficult decision to return home to Kibbutz Nahal Oz. They discuss what life is like in Israel’s Gaza border communities three years after October 7, the lasting impact of the attack on Israeli society and politics, and how these dynamics are shaping the upcoming Knesset election.
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