PODCAST

Israel’s Election, Iran & the Future of the Middle East: Dr. Mordechai Kedar

Israel’s 2026 election comes at a critical moment for regional security. On The Real Israel Podcast, Chaim Malespin speaks with Middle East expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar about coalition politics, Iran’s future, U.S.–Israel military cooperation, and what the next six months could mean for the Middle East
October 29, 2026

Israel's Future at Stake: Dr. Mordechai Kedar on Elections, Iran and the Next Six Months
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The Real Israel Podcast with Chaim Malespin
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As Israelis head to the polls, one question looms larger than the election itself: What will the next Israeli government mean for the country's security and the future of the Middle East?

In a new episode of The Real Israel Podcast, Chaim Malespin welcomes renowned Middle East expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar for a direct conversation about Israel's elections, the Iranian threat, American military support, and the political decisions that could shape the region's future.

With decades of experience studying Arabic-language media, Middle Eastern societies, and regional politics, Dr. Kedar offers his perspective on how Israel is viewed across the Arab world, why coalition negotiations matter, and whether Iran's internal divisions could eventually threaten the regime.

The conversation takes place on Israeli election day, as the country faces critical decisions about its leadership and national security.
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How Does the Arab World See Israel's Elections?
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Chaim opens the conversation by asking Dr. Kedar how Tehran and the broader Arab world are interpreting Israel's elections.

Kedar describes two sharply different reactions in Arabic-language media.

On one side are voices that reject Israel's legitimacy as a Jewish state. On the other are commentators who recognize Israel's ability to hold competitive elections even during wartime.

He highlights the contrast between Israel's political system, where even a longstanding prime minister can be voted out, and countries where citizens have little power to replace their rulers.

For Kedar, this distinction shapes how Israel is perceived throughout the Middle East.
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Can Israel Strike Iran Without American Permission?
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One of the most striking moments comes when Chaim asks whether Israel can independently launch another major operation against Iran.
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Dr. Kedar answers directly:
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"Israel cannot act in Iran without American permission, at least for the fuel in the air."
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He explains his assessment of Israel's dependence on American aerial-refueling capabilities and why Washington's political calculations could influence future military operations.
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The discussion then turns to the upcoming U.S. midterm elections and how a shift in congressional power might affect President Trump's ability to sustain another military campaign against Iran.

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Watch the Full Episode: Israel’s Future at Stake
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What will happen to Israel after the elections? Can Israel confront Iran without American support? Could the Iranian regime collapse from within? And how will the upcoming U.S. midterm elections influence the future of the Middle East?

In this episode of The Real Israel Podcast, Chaim Malespin sits down with Middle East expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar for a direct conversation about Israel's political future, regional security, and the critical decisions facing Israeli and American leaders.
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Questions Chaim Asks Dr. Mordechai Kedar
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  1. How does the Arab world view Israel's elections? What outcome are Tehran and the wider Arab world hoping for?
  2. What happens if neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot secures a majority? Could prolonged coalition negotiations create a dangerous period of uncertainty for Israel?
  3. Can Israel strike Iran without American permission? How dependent is Israel on U.S. military support and aerial-refueling capabilities?
  4. Could Iran's regime collapse from within? Could the country's ethnic and religious divisions play a role in bringing down the regime?
  5. Where do Netanyahu and Eisenkot differ on national security? What would each leader's approach mean for Israel's security strategy?
  6. Who really determines Israel's government policy? How much power does the prime minister hold compared with coalition partners?
  7. What would Netanyahu's or Eisenkot's first days in power look like? Would either leader introduce major policy changes?
  8. Could another war with Iran begin after the U.S. midterm elections? How might the American election results affect military decisions?
  9. What is the future of Gaza? Who would govern, secure, and rebuild Gaza, and how would future attacks be prevented?
  10. Could Israel and the United States bring down the Iranian regime? Could military pressure, opposition movements, or diplomacy achieve that goal?
  11. What will the Middle East look like in six months? What are the most likely scenarios and greatest security threats?
  12. Could Israel and Iran ever restore peaceful relations? Could the two nations return to an era of cooperation, trade, and diplomatic relations?
  13. How should people prepare for the possibility of another regional war? What should those concerned about Israel's future be watching for?
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Hear Dr. Kedar's Answers
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From Israel's election results to the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran, this conversation explores the decisions that could shape the Middle East in the months ahead.
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Watch the full 25-minute conversation to hear Dr. Mordechai Kedar's answers, analysis, and predictions.
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▶ WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
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Discover more conversations on The Real Israel Podcast.

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“We have to find a way how to continue living in the Middle East by projecting power and deterrence.” — Dr. Mordechai Kedar, The Real Israel Podcast
- Chaim Malespin
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