How would a Netanyahu election loss change Israel's policies toward the Palestinians?

AI Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and election rival Gadi Eisenkot both oppose an independent Palestinian state, limiting prospects for a major policy shift toward Palestinians after the election. Both have also said they would resume the war in Gaza if Hamas does not disarm.

By Lina Obeid and Tamar Uriel-Beeri JERUSALEM, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main opponent Gadi Eisenkot both oppose an independent Palestinian state, meaning next week's election is unlikely to produce a sweeping shift in policies that have hampered a decades-old peace process. Three years sincetheHamas-led October 7 attacks, they also share hawkish positions towards Gaza, saying they would resume the war there if the militant group, whose founding charter calls for Israel's destruction, doesn't disarm.