Al Majalla selected The Struggle for Power as the title of this week’s cover story because Israel’s elections raise questions that reach far beyond the identity of the next prime minister. They reveal a deeper contest over the nature of political authority, the limits that define it, and the balance that governs the state’s institutions. Early results indicate that the ballot box may prolong the political stalemate rather than bring it to an end. Benjamin Netanyahu does not appear to command a clear majority, while his opponents face the daunting task of converting any electoral advantage into a coalition capable of governing. The implications of this struggle reach far beyond Israel’s borders. The next government will influence the trajectory of the confrontation with Iran, the future of Gaza, tensions with Lebanon and Syria, and relations with Washington and the Arab states.

Trump's Troubling Nuclear Plan

[caption id="attachment_55255503" align="aligncenter" width="594"] U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a national security strategy speech at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., U.S…

Majalla

Muslim Voters and the European Left

[caption id="attachment_55255497" align="aligncenter" width="1883"] A Muslim voter leaves the polling station in Luton, England. (Getty)[/caption] by Rafaela M. Dancygier Over the last few years,…

Majalla

Tumult in American Politics

[caption id="attachment_55255484" align="aligncenter" width="4474"] U.S. President Donald J. Trump waves during the State of the Union address as U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) and Speaker of the…

Joseph Braude

The Autocrat’s Achilles' Heel

[caption id="attachment_55255491" align="aligncenter" width="3836"] Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) enter the hall at the Grand Kremlin Palace on July 4,…

Majalla

Another Grand Coalition Takes Shape in Berlin

[caption id="attachment_55255416" align="aligncenter" width="5268"] German Chancellor and head of the German Christian Democrats (CDU) Angela Merkel (L) and leader of the German Social Democrats (SPD…

Majalla

How Sharp Power Threatens Soft Power

[caption id="attachment_55255411" align="aligncenter" width="3281"] Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a signing ceremony in Beijing's Great…

Majalla

Syria: “A Problem from Hell”

[caption id="attachment_55255397" align="alignleft" width="5558"] A Syrian opposition fighter takes a selfie as fighters walk through Syria in front of Turkish troops near the Syrian border at Hassa,…

Majalla

Why Globalization Stalled

[caption id="attachment_55255345" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping leave a business leaders event at the Great Hall of the People in…

Majalla