News Digest — 10/29/26
Israeli President Calls For Compromise: “Come With An Open Mind”
President Isaac Herzog called on Wednesday (28th) for the parties elected to the 26th Knesset to make every effort to prevent another round of elections, stressing that he expects party representatives to approach consultations at the President’s Residence with an open mind.
Herzog made the remarks during a meeting with the “Machlifim Mila” (“Exchanging a Word”) initiative held at the President’s Residence one day after the Knesset elections.
Herzog began by addressing the high voter turnout recorded in the elections, expressing satisfaction with the public’s widespread participation.
“Tuesday’s Election Day was very impressive, and for the first time in decades, we saw an enormous voter turnout. This is a badge of honor for Israeli society,” the President said.
“It’s very impressive. It made me very happy. It shows just how significant the desire for democracy is in Israel.”
Herzog also addressed the next stages of the government formation process, clarifying that consultations with representatives of the parliamentary factions would begin after the official election results are received.
“I will receive the official results next week from Justice Sohlberg. After that, we will begin the consultation process here, where we will hear from each and every faction, ask questions, and hold discussions,” he said.
During the consultations, representatives of the parliamentary factions are expected to present their positions to the President regarding which member of the Knesset should be tasked with forming the government.
The President went on to address the complicated political situation created by the elections, with the official results published so far indicating that neither bloc holds an independent majority of 61 seats.
“One thing must be understood, and I said this even before the elections: We must do everything possible, certainly after yesterday, to avoid another round of elections,” Herzog emphasized.
The President concluded his remarks with a direct message to the party representatives who will arrive at the President’s Residence next week.
“I expect everyone who comes here to come with an open mind.”
His remarks come as the political establishment awaits the completion of the counting of double-envelope ballots, which will determine the final distribution of Knesset seats and the balance of power ahead of negotiations to form the next government.
With 90% of votes counted, Netanyahu’s Bloc has 53 seats, Eisenkot’s has 48 and the Arab parties 19.
Likud Alleges Widespread Election Fraud At Arab Polling Stations
The Likud accused Arab parties of stealing Israel’s elections through criminal activity at polling stations, saying it was submitting hundreds of testimonies and pieces of evidence to police, the Shin Bet and the Central Election Committee.
The party alleged that irregularities at numerous Arab polling stations included bribery, threats, violence, forgery and identity fraud, as well as the use of prohibited software to mobilize voters.
Likud said its evidence included “thousands of envelopes containing cash alongside Ra’am party ballots,” along with cases in which multiple voters allegedly entered voting booths together and discrepancies were found between the number of envelopes and registered voters.
“We demand the police and the Shin bet conduct a thorough investigation into the theft of the election by these Arab parties and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the party said.
Likud also called on the Central Elections Committee to immediately investigate the alleged offenses, which it said had “severely compromised the integrity of Israel’s elections and their outcome,”
“Thiss constitutes a grave assault on Israeli democracy, and the voting rights of Israeli citizens,” the statement said. “Law enforcement authorities must take immediate and decisive action.”
The Elections Committee responded: “We received Likud’s complaint. It is currently being reviewed.”
Ra’am and the Joint List, the Arab-led parties represented in the Knesset, saw unprecedented support in Tuesday’s (27th) election and were projected to secure 19 seats, nearly double the 10 they currently hold between them.
The result would leave neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the Jewish-led parties seeking to replace him with enough seats to command a parliamentary majority on their own.
Netanyahu’s principal challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, could potentially reach a governing majority with backing from the Arab parties, although some parties in the opposition camp have ruled out such an arrangement.
Netanyahu and the Likud repeatedly campaigned against the creation of a government dependent on Arab political support.
Hezbollah Leader: Israel’s Elections Won’t Change Our Fight Against Them
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Wednesday (28th) that the outcome of Israel’s Knesset election would have no bearing on the Iran-backed terrorist organization’s activities against the Jewish state, pledging to continue its armed campaign regardless of who forms the next Israeli government.
In a written statement reported by AFP, Qassem dismissed the significance of Israel’s political leadership and demanded an Israeli withdrawal from territory claimed by Lebanon.
“We do not concern ourselves with who governs Israel, but let it be perfectly clear that it cannot continue its occupation and must leave our land,” Qassem said
He also reiterated Hezbollah’s refusal to relinquish its weapons, insisting that the organization would continue what it describes as resistance against Israel.
“The resistance will continue… and will stand up to the aggression directed against it and against Lebanon, and there is no room to discuss the disarmament of Hezbollah as long as the occupation persists and its aggression continues,” he added.
Qassem’s remarks come amid continued difficulties implementing a framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanese authorities in June
The agreement provides for Hezbollah’s disarmament, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from territory covered by the arrangement, and the deployment of Lebanese military forces to the area.
Hezbollah was not involved in the negotiations and has maintained its opposition to direct diplomatic engagement with Israel.
The terrorist organization has also rejected repeated calls to surrender its weapons and has continued violating the ceasefire, undermining efforts to put the agreement into effect.
Israel, meanwhile, has continued conducting strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in response to the ceasefire violations.
US Moves Patriot Missile Defense System From Texas To Israel Ahead Of Possible Iran Strike – Report
The US military is moving a Patriot air and missile defense system from Texas to the Middle East as Washington and Israel prepare for a possible new round of heavy combat operations against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday (27th).
The Patriot system, which includes radar equipment, an engagement control station, missile launchers, and interceptor missiles, is being deployed to strengthen American defenses and preparations for a potential escalation.
The US has also relocated troops from bases where they were considered vulnerable to Iranian attacks, officials familiar with the movements told the WSJ.
Washington has reportedly warned several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a short, intense military campaign against Iran following the midterm elections, according to people briefed on the conversations.
Additionally, US forces have been replenishing their munitions stockpiles, while officials said bomber aircraft and fighter jets are being prepared for possible strikes.
An additional aircraft carrier strike group and Marine Expeditionary Unit are also expected to join approximately 20 US warships operating in the Middle East in November, although some vessels could rotate out of the region.
The reported preparations follow an earlier US decision to deploy a third aircraft carrier and additional Marines to the Middle East. A US official said on October 1 that the USS Theodore Roosevelt and additional Marine personnel were being sent to the region, expanding Washington’s military options.
The latest buildup comes as US President Donald Trump weighs further military action against Iran. According to the WSJ, Trump has not made a final decision on launching another campaign, although he is reportedly leaning toward strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. A negotiated agreement remains a possibility.
Iran has threatened to expand its retaliation if the US and Israel resume their attacks, including by targeting energy infrastructure, airports, and other civilian facilities across the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, US intelligence warnings about Iranian plots against American officials and citizens have added to regional security concerns. A US official confirmed on Friday (23rd) that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had received an intelligence memorandum warning that Iranian efforts to target Americans had intensified.
Iran has also reportedly instructed Hezbollah to prepare for a possible renewed conflict. Two diplomatic sources said on October 15 that Tehran had warned the Lebanese terrorist group to increase its readiness in anticipation of further American military action.
The timing, scope, and final decision on any renewed military campaign remain uncertain.
Serbia Raises Terror Threat After Attack On Elite Guard At Israeli Embassy
Shortly past midnight Wednesday (28th), an elite-unit police officer stationed at the Israeli Embassy located in Serbia’s capital was attacked by an assailant armed with knives who was subsequently killed, AP reported, citing police.
Describing the episode as a “terrorist attack” Ivica Dacic, the interior minister, said, according to AP, that the terrorist threat had been lifted to its top tier and that police were out in greater force at key locations.
According to the minister, the attacker, a minor, carried two knives and charged at the Gendarmerie member to the cry of Allahu Akbar, or “God is great” in Arabic. Left with a facial wound, the officer killed the attacker in self-defense, Dacic added.
Cordoned off with police tape, the area around the guard booth just outside the embassy was ringed by fully equipped officers, according to police images of the scene.
Sabac, a town in Western Serbia, is thought to be the attacker’s home, Dacic said.
A follower of the extremist group Islamic State, the attacker had been under surveillance by Serbian security agencies, Dacic said, adding that “he kept the black flag in support of the Islamic State on his Instagram account.
Only days before Wednesday’s (28th) attack, on Sunday (25th), Serbia held a pivotal early parliamentary election. At the ballot box, a youth-led movement beat Aleksandar Vucic, the longtime leader and former president, following close to two years of street demonstrations against him. Even so, the police remain under the control of Vucic and those allied with him until a new government takes shape.
A similar attack struck the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade in June 2024, when a crossbow-wielding assailant injured an officer of Serbia’s police who was posted at the Israeli Embassy – another officer shot and killed the attacker.
Located in a well-heeled district of Belgrade, close to the US Embassy, the Israeli Embassy is protected by an elite police unit whose officers carry automatic weapons.
On the diplomatic front, Serbia has kept close ties with Israel, AP noted.
Australia Considering Purchasing Israeli-Made Iron Dome Interceptor Missiles
Australia is considering purchasing missile interceptors developed for Israel’s Iron Dome as it seeks to rapidly build an air defense shield, officials said.
Citing rapid changes in warfare seen in Ukraine and the Middle East, defense officials told a parliamentary committee that Australia wants to have a ground-based missile defense system by the early 2030s.
Discussions are being held over the availability of the US Patriot missile defense system and interceptor missiles developed by Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the Iron Dome, recently used in a new US Marines system and jointly manufactured with US company Raytheon.
Truck-mounted medium-range interceptors were tested by the US marines in the Pacific territory of Guam in June during a regional war game in which Australia took part.
Australia does not supply weapons to Israel and its purchase of Israeli defense products has come under political scrutiny.
“The government of Australia will always seek to deliver the most suitable military technology,” government minister Murray Watt told the parliamentary committee when asked about the matter.
