'Our fate will be decided in Jerusalem, not Ramallah': Palestinians look ahead to Israeli elections

Palestinians in the West Bank are closely monitoring the upcoming Israeli elections, viewing them as more significant to their future than their own scheduled Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Many, like contractor Ibrahim Za'oul, hope a new Israeli government might reverse the post-October 7 ban on Palestinian laborers entering Israel, stating, "Everyone wants to return to their jobs in Israel and support their families." A Palestinian Authority employee emphasized, "Our fate will be decided in Jerusalem, not Ramallah," highlighting how Israeli policies directly impact their economic stability, including partial salary payments due to withheld Palestinian revenues. While not expecting political breakthroughs, Palestinians hope for a more reasonable Israeli government that might alleviate economic hardships and curb settler violence, as Israel controls many aspects of their daily lives and economy.