US President Donald Trump has backed Benjamin Netanyahu after a strong election result for the Israeli leader that is likely to lead to the imminent resumption of war with Iran even as Gulf states push for peace talks.
On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin and global health security editor Paul Nuki in Tel Aviv about the why Bibi beat back his rival Gadi Eisenkot, how the Arab parties could become kingmakers, and the importance of Trump’s intervention ahead of voting.
Amid growing momentum behind a Qatari peace deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, they explain why Israeli military action against remaining IRGC targets is inevitable, whatever Trump does with the war.
Plus, what the election result means for the region as Lebanese proxy Hezbollah rearms with the help of Iranian cash, Yemen’s Houthis attack a major oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, and tensions in the West Bank are on a knife edge.
00:00:00 - Israeli Election Stalemate & Houthi Strike on Saudi Oil Refinery
00:02:41 - Election Results Breakdown: Netanyahu’s Likud vs. Eisenkot’s Bloc
00:08:35 - Donald Trump’s Endorsement & The Legacy of October 7th
00:12:40 - Historic Arab Bloc Surge: Can Ra'am & Joint List Act as Kingmakers?
00:18:04 - President Herzog’s Dilemma: Who Gets to Form the Coalition First?
00:20:00 - Will the US-Iran War Restart After the Midterms?
00:25:22 - Secret Gulf Peace Proposal: Strait of Hormuz Reopening & Sanctions Relief 00:29:24 - Hezbollah Rebuilding: Southern Lebanon Front & UNIFIL Disbandment
00:33:33 - Ras Tanura Refinery Fire: Oil Surges to $115 Amid Houthi Attacks
00:37:02 - West Bank Escalation: Mass Displacements & Risks to the Palestinian Authority
Highlights
Trump backs Bibi as Israel readies for new Iran strikes
Yemen’s Houthis attack a major oil refinery in Saudi Arabia
CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem correspondent @HenryBodkin
Paul Nuki, global health security editor @PaulNuki
CONTENT REFERENCED:
Netanyahu’s fate now rests in the hands of his enemies
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/28/israel-election-netanyahu-fate-in-the-hands-of-enemies/
Israel’s plan for ‘decisive victory’
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/25/israels-plan-for-decisive-victory/
We’re ready to ditch two-state solution, says Arab-Israeli election kingmaker
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/were-ready-to-ditch-two-state-solution-says-arab-kingmaker/
The CIA, civil war and the total collapse of Israel
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/23/cia-civil-war-total-collapse-israel-haredi-ultra-orthodox/
Israel closes West Bank after shoot-out days before election
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/23/israel-closes-west-bank-after-shootout-before-election/
Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026
Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026
Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026
The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Producers: Joleen Goffin and Max Bower
Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh
Studio Operator: Andy Watson
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey
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