Israelis head to the polls next week. On the ballot is the future of a country that has become isolated on the world stage, because of both its war in Gaza and a growing outcry over settler violence in the West Bank. David M. Halbfinger, the Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times, explains how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu differs from his biggest challenger. Guest: David M. Halbfinger (https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-m-halbfinger) , the Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times. Background reading:  • Here’s why Palestinians hope Israelis will oust Netanyahu (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/21/world/middleeast/stakes-for-palestinians-of-israel-election.html) in pivotal election. • President Trump endorsed Netanyahu (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/18/us/politics/trump-endorses-netanyahu-election-israel.html) as best U.S. partner in the Israeli election. Photo: Amir Cohen/Reuters; Ariel Schalit/Associated Press For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily (http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily) . Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts (http://nytimes.com/podcasts) or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.