Israel: a state between war and war
Agnieszka Zagner, longtime correspondent and analyst of mediate east affairs, in an interview with Jarosław J. Stephen’s image is drawn by Israel, who has been in a permanent state of tension for years. comparative peace, he says, is, in fact, the gap between subsequent conflicts. And election year 2026 could be 1 of the most crucial in the past of the state.
Netanjah who returns
Although polls do not favour Benjamin Netanyahu, Zagner recalls that his political vitality has amazed commentators many times. Since 2009, he has ruled almost continuously, and his strategy is based on exploiting the subject of security. Any crisis – from the war with Hamas to the tensions with Iran – can become a tool for mobilizing the electorate.
At the same time, the Prime Minister is inactive struggling with corruption charges and attempts to change the law that could defend him from them. In the background, there remains an incalculable work for October 7 – the day that exposed the weakness of the Israeli safety system.
What we can anticipate this year in the mediate East - Agnieszka Zagner
Society in protest, state in crisis
In 2023 Israel saw the largest protests in its past – mass demonstrations against judicial reform. After October 7, their energy turned into a movement demanding the release of hostages. Zagner emphasizes that although the protests were impressive, they inactive represented a number of society.
One of the key points of the dispute remains the issue of the Orthodox military service. In the face of shortages of staff in the army and overburdening the reserveists, this subject has become a symbol of inequality and social anger.
Gaza: A war that continues despite a ceasefire
Although the truce is formally in force, Zagner has no doubt: the war in Gaza continues. UNICEF reports the deaths of 1 100 children in 3 months of ceasefire, and 80% of buildings in Gaza are destroyed or damaged. Israel is considering another land offensive, but political conditions, including US pressure, stay unclear.
Hamas, despite massive losses, inactive controls half the territory and rebuilds human resources structures. ‘It's an organization that will always find fresh recruits.“ Zagner notes.
What we can anticipate this year in the mediate East - Agnieszka Zagner
West Bank: violence, settlers and double standards
The increase in the number of attacks by Israeli settlers, the death punishment bill bill covering exclusively Palestinians, as well as expanding tensions around settlements – all this makes the West Bank another ticking load.
Iran: Biggest Question Mark
Iran faces all Israeli home disputes. The tightening of Tehran and Washington rhetoric, the threat of the American attack, and the anticipation of retaliation against Israel form a script that can overturn regional order.
Elections that can change everything – or nothing
Although Naftal Bennett's opposition present has an advantage in the polls, it may not be possible to make a government without arabian parties. And this opens the way to a run based on scare and polarization.
Zagner emphasizes that many Israelis – even critical of Netanjah – inactive respect him as the only policy capable of ensuring safety in the hr of trial. It's a paradox that can find the result of the election.
Peace in the mediate East? – Mariusz Braszkiewicz – Maciej Wojtyś
