Who will lead Israel? It could be weeks before we know the answer. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line coalition had a slight edge over opposition challenger Gadi Eisenkot, but neither secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the Knesset, or Parliament. Now each leader will have to negotiate to garner support from outside his party in order to form a government. Let the games begin.
Netanyahu could try to steal away some of Eisenkot’s supporters or form a national unity government with him. Could a government consisting of a combined Netanyahu and Eisenkot coalition reshape Israel’s political landscape and what are the repercussions for the U.S. – Israeli war against Iran? MBN takes a look.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are pursuing diplomatic relations with Tehran amid escalating regional tensions, but can they prevent another war? This week we also look at Iran’s chummy relations with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, China’s reluctance to intervene in the Gulf and why the United Nation is struggling to keep the peace in a changing world order.
Welcome back to the MBN Friday Briefing, our roundup of the best stories on Alhurra.com in Arabic, and in English. You can read this briefing in Arabic here. Please subscribe here or send us a comment: thebriefing@mbn-news.com.
This Week on MBN
Israel’s Election Deadlock: Is Iran Next?
An Israeli woman walks past a billboard featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, a day after Israel’s general election, in Jerusalem, Oct. 28, 2026. Reuters/Ronen Zvulun.
Israel’s inconclusive election could shape both the next government and contribute to the prospect of renewed military action against Iran, writes Hamza Al-Saud, Mustafa Khatib and Yehia Qasim. With neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor his rival, Gadi Eisenkot, securing a parliamentary majority, coalition talks could leave Netanyahu in office as caretaker prime minister. That matters because Netanyahu has raised the prospect of renewed joint action with President Trump against Iran, making the political standoff especially significant. As coalition negotiations unfold, the key question is whether Israel’s political uncertainty will delay decisions on Iran or leave Netanyahu free to pursue his military plans.
Israel’s Deadlock Could Work in Trump’s Favor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot at separate events in Israel in 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israel’s inconclusive election has left Netanyahu short of a parliamentary majority, opening the door to new political deals. A unity government with opposition leader Eisenkot could sideline far-right allies who oppose Trump’s Gaza plan, reports Alex Willemyns. Such a government could also give Washington more room to push its plans for Gaza and curb settler violence in the West Bank. Meanwhile, renewed conflict with Iran could help Netanyahu strengthen his position and pressure rivals to join his government.
Diplomacy Before War?
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohsen Rezaei, secretary-general of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, attend the quadrilateral meeting. AFP
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan met with Iranian leaders in Tehran to ease tensions amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and fears of new U.S. – Israeli attacks. The three countries are seeking to combine military deterrence with diplomacy to prevent a wider regional conflict, as MBN’s Hani Al-Farash and Sakina Abdallah report. However, the countries have limited ability to prevent possible U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Ultimately, the success of their efforts will depend on whether Washington and Tehran choose diplomacy over military escalation.
Iran Turns East, Courts the Taliban
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Tehran. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS
Iran is deepening ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers as war and strained relations with the West push Tehran to seek new partners.
The two sides are exploring major deals in energy, trade, mining and railways, reports MBN Iran Editor Andres Ilves. But their troubled history, including the Taliban’s persecution of Afghan Shia Muslims and the killing of Iranian diplomats, continues to fuel distrust. Disputes over water rights, Afghan migrants and Iran’s Chabahar port are adding to tensions at home. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is also building economic ties with the Taliban, raising the stakes in a regional contest for influence.
China’s Gulf Balancing Act
China is staying on the sidelines as Saudi Arabia faces attacks from Iran-backed forces, writes Rana Sabbagh in this MBN Magazine article. Despite its heavy dependence on Gulf oil, Beijing has been reluctant to step in or use its influence to stop the fighting. Experts say China’s priority is to avoid a direct confrontation with the United States, while protecting its own economic and strategic interests. Rather than acting as a true mediator, China has mostly supported diplomatic efforts led by others and sought to keep its own ships safe.
The UN’s Old Order Is Crumbling
The U.N. is losing its ability to prevent wars and resolve conflicts, leaving it increasingly sidelined in major international crises. The problem goes beyond leadership: The organization was built for a different world and struggles to address today’s conflicts and rivalries among major powers, argues Ezzedine Fishere in his MBN Magazine article. Replacing the secretary-general or reforming the Security Council won’t be enough. Fishere calls for a new international security structure with clearer rules, stronger decision-making, and a greater focus on preventing conflicts before they escalate.
Quote of the Week: Mecca in Tehran
We concluded that West Asia’s security must be based on the countries of the region, and any external interference must be prevented.
– Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, commenting after the meeting of delegations from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran to discuss regional security, Oct. 25, 2026.
