Hegseth Visits Netanyahu Amid Israeli Election Deadlock and US Impeachment Delays

Key points

• Hegseth’s meeting with Netanyahu takes place just days before Israel’s October 27 general election, a critical moment for the current government.
• The Israeli election is characterized by a deadlock between Netanyahu’s bloc and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, with polls indicating neither side can secure the 61 seats needed for a majority.
• Arab-led parties are positioned as potential kingmakers in the Israeli vote, while a rightward shift among young voters has boosted far-right figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir.
• In the US, House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote on impeaching Hegseth until after the November midterm elections, citing campaign needs.
• The impeachment resolution, introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, alleges Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution concerning Iran, a move Democrats accuse the GOP of using to dodge accountability.

Background

Recent coverage highlights the fragility of Netanyahu’s political standing, with former aides accusing him of falsifying records related to the October 7, 2023, attack. Meanwhile, the Israeli opposition has signed a non-aggression pact to challenge Netanyahu, though the bloc remains ideologically fractured on issues regarding Gaza and Arab coalition inclusion. In the US, the impeachment debate has stalled due to the midterm recess, with the House set to return after Election Day to address the privileged resolution and other pending legislation.

Why it matters

The meeting underscores the continued diplomatic engagement between the US and Israel despite internal political crises in both nations. For the US, it highlights the tension between executive defense policy and legislative oversight, particularly regarding Iran. For Israel, it signals external support during a pivotal election where coalition dynamics and far-right influence could reshape regional alliances and domestic policy.

What to watch

The US House is expected to resume the impeachment vote on Hegseth after the November midterm elections. In Israel, the October 27 vote will determine whether Netanyahu can form a government, potentially relying on Arab-led parties or far-right allies to break the current deadlock.