[PRIMER] Israeli Election: A change of government is unlikely to soften Israel's Iran stance

OVERVIEW Israelis vote on Tuesday 27th October, with polls closing at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT / 16:00 EDT), when exit polls are due. Final polls show Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar as the largest party, with the opposition bloc at 52-56 seats vs 48-50 for PM Netanyahu's bloc, but neither reaching the 61 seats needed for a majority. The Arab-led parties (14-16 seats) could be pivotal, although most Jewish-led opposition leaders have ruled out working with them. An inconclusive result would mean lengthy coalition talks (28 days, extendable by 14) or another election, with Netanyahu remaining caretaker PM until a new government is sworn in. IRAN: A CHANGE IN TONE, NOT DIRECTION The opposition is not campaigning against the war with Iran, and several of its leaders are more hawkish than Netanyahu; their objection has largely been to escalation before the vote. Eisenkot said the conflict must "end in the destruction or dismantling of the Iranian nuclear programme", although he sees regime change as unrealistic. B'Yachad (A major Israeli political alliance formed to challenge PM Netanyahu) leader Bennett said toppling the Iranian government is a must and called for a regional alliance against "Islamist forces", while his partner Lapid has called for strikes on all of Iran's energy facilities. Netanyahu said last week that 90% of the mission has been accomplished in Iran, but striking nuclear facilities is not enough as long as the regime remains in power, adding that he will inform President Trump of Israel's plans but will not ask for a "green light". Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Monday the outcome of Israel's election does not matter to Tehran. TIMING OF ANY RENEWED STRIKES Reports suggest action against Iran is unlikely before the vote; Kan reported that operations will eventually resume, but likely not before the Israeli and US midterm elections (3rd November), while an Israeli military official said there is no reason to attack before the election, and N12 reported on Monday that Defence Minister Katz denied plans to attack before the elections. However, the NYT reported that the US and Israel have drawn up plans for renewed strikes after the US midterms, targeting energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenals, while ABC reported plans for joint strikes "in the coming weeks". President Trump said he is nearing a decision on whether to strike a deal with Iran or resume strikes. GEOPOLITICAL READ-THROUGH Analysts see a Netanyahu re-election raising the risk of escalation with Iran, while his defeat could ease regional tensions. A government without far-right ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich is seen improving Israel's international standing and ties with the West, potentially supporting the ILS. However, given the opposition's hawkish Iran stance, analysts suggest any shift is more likely to be seen in tone, the West Bank and relations with Western and regional partners, than in Iran policy itself.