Caretaker PM Netanyahu expected to escalate violence, as EU sanctions talk on hold until new Israeli government formed

Discussions regarding EU sanctions on Israel are currently stalled until a new government is formed, with concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu may escalate military actions against Iran to bolster his political position. Following inconclusive elections, Netanyahu remains in a caretaker role while coalition negotiations proceed, as his rightwing bloc secured the most seats but lacks a majority. The elections occurred amidst ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, which are likely to intensify during the political transition as Netanyahu seeks support from defectors by emphasizing security threats.