Divided Israeli opposition boosts Netanyahu

With a week until Israel’s election, infighting within the opposition Change Bloc is blunting its efforts to turn the vote into a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of Oct. 7.

Gabrielle Debinski
Gabrielle Debinski
Oct 21, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister and Likud Party leader, Benjamin Netanyahu greets supporters during a campaign event at a mall ahead of Israel's general elections scheduled for next week on October 18, 2026 in Yoqne'am Israel. Israel will hold legislative elections on October 27, 2026. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Welcome back to the Daily Briefing.

In today's edition:

  • Iran says no new US talks until demands met
  • Israeli opposition discord boosts Netanyahu week out from election
  • Macron secures major diesel deal on Gulf tour
  • Houthis launch new strikes against Saudi Arabia 

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