Sibylline Insights Podcast

Developments and Progress in Israel and Libya

Eloise Scott, Analyst for Middle East & North Africa, and Philip Riding, Lead Analyst for Middle East and Africa, join Director for Sibylline EMEA Jonathan Dunbar, to discuss the recent developments and progress in Israel and Libya

Israel goes to the polls next week for the fourth time in two years. The result is too close to call and will likely result in another round of messy coalition negotiations, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to retain the premiership and stave off his corruption trial. However, if a new administration manages to pass a budget, business could benefit from greater certainty and a more substantive post-Covid recovery package.

Elsewhere in the Mediterranean, Libya has seen recent progress towards having its first functional government in a decade. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah's cabinet was sworn in this week and is now responsible for laying the groundwork for elections in December. Challenges remain however, especially around the presence of foreign forces in the country and threats to oil and gas infrastructure.

Sibylline Podcast - Israel - Policy Continuity Likely Despite Fraught Election Campaign

On 9 April, Israel will hold general elections, pitting incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against main rival Benny Gantz. Polling indicates this will be a closely fought contest, with a number of potential outcomes. This is an election where policy has been overshadowed by personalities, not least due to Netanyahu’s impending indictment on charges of corruption.

Key points include:

• The main candidates to be the next Prime Minister, their policies and chances of success
• Potential electoral outcomes in the Knesset, where neither candidate has an easy route to a majority
• Likely impact on the business environment in the event of a victory for Gantz or Natanyahu

We hope you enjoy the podcast and welcome questions and feedback. Please get in touch at info@sibylline.co.uk