Lebanese sceptical Israeli polls will bring change, end occupation of south

As Israel’s October 27 election approaches, people in Lebanon doubt that a change of government will end the occupation of southern Lebanon or substantially alter Israeli policy. Beirut resident Fouad Debs expects, at most, minor changes, while Karim Safieddine notes that no candidate is promising withdrawal or describing southern Lebanon as a crisis or mistake. Israeli airspace violations, invasions and occupations have fostered deep distrust in Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah have been in conflict since October 2023, with major escalations in September 2024 and March 2026.