As the Middle East enters a volatile and uncertain chapter, Jerusalem Dateline is turning its focus toward 2026, a year expected to be shaped by elections, wars, rising antisemitism and profound spiritual crossroads. From unrest inside Iran to fragile ceasefires surrounding Israel, the coming year is framed not as a period of calm, but as a decisive moment that could redefine regional stability, global alliances and the future of Israel itself.
The predictions were outlined during a special edition of Jerusalem Dateline, produced by CBN News. The discussion featured Senior Editor John Waage, Middle East Correspondent Julie Stahl, and Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell, each offering analysis on political, military, and spiritual trends they believe will define the year ahead for Israel, the United States and the broader Middle East.
Here are their predictions for the upcoming year:
- 2026 will be driven by elections in both the U.S. and Israel
The U.S. midterm elections and Israel’s Knesset elections are expected to shape policy, stability and leadership direction well beyond their borders. The panel predicts these votes will significantly influence Middle East strategy and global alignment. - Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to remain in power through 2026
Against historical norms in Israeli politics, they predict Benjamin Netanyahu may complete his full term and prevail in elections toward the end of 2026, despite sustained political pressure. - The Trump administration’s survival hinges on the midterms
The panel predicts the fate of Donald Trump’s agenda will be determined by whether Republicans hold Congress. A Democratic takeover could rapidly reshape U.S. policy, including toward Israel. - Ceasefires with Gaza and Hezbollah will not hold
They predict continued instability, describing current ceasefires as fragile and temporary. Renewed conflict, particularly in Gaza, is seen as likely rather than avoidable. - Israel will likely be forced to resume military action in Gaza
Because Hamas has refused disarmament, the panel predicts the war in Gaza will restart, with Israel as the only actor willing and able to dismantle Hamas militarily. - Iran will remain a flashpoint and could provoke Israeli strikes
Ongoing protests, economic collapse, and reports of advanced weapons development lead to the prediction that Iran will remain volatile, with the possibility of additional Israeli military action. - Syria will become a more hostile neighbor to Israel
Rather than stabilizing, Syria is predicted to drift toward Islamist control, potentially backed by Turkey, creating a more dangerous northern front for Israel. - Turkey’s regional influence will expand in destabilizing ways
The panel predicts Turkey will play an increasingly assertive role in regional politics, often at odds with Israeli and Western interests. - Global antisemitism will continue rising in 2026
They predict antisemitism will intensify worldwide, further pressuring Jewish communities and shaping political and social decisions. - Aliyah to Israel will increase
As antisemitism rises and identity pressures grow, the panel predicts a noticeable increase in Jewish immigration to Israel, especially from Western nations. - The Church will face a defining moment
Spiritually, they predict the global Church will be forced to choose whether it will openly stand with Israel amid rising hostility and moral confusion. - 2026 will bring more chaos, but not without resilience
While the year is predicted to be turbulent politically and militarily, the panel expresses confidence that Israel will endure and that leadership in both Israel and the U.S. will ultimately prevail.
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Taken together, their outlook paints a picture of a year marked by instability, hard choices and mounting pressure on both leaders and nations.
Yet alongside warnings of renewed conflict and political upheaval, the panel emphasized endurance, clarity, and the role of faith as guiding forces through uncertainty. As 2026 progresses, the message is not merely to watch events unfold, but to recognize that decisions made in the coming months may have far-reaching consequences, shaping history, alliances and moral alignment for years to come.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
