Show Notes
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.
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
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk
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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