The moment of truth has arrived, and in Israel everything is set for tomorrow’s major election. Perhaps the most important in the country’s history, following the conflicts sparked by Hamas’s invasion in 2023.
An election that will determine not only the future of the Jewish state, but also that of Benjamin Netanyahu himself. He is the country’s longest-serving prime minister; having spent a total of 19 years in office, he has even surpassed the state’s founder, David Ben-Gurion. And he is determined to remain in office, making Israel’s security his campaign platform.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“We have intelligence that our enemies—Iran and its proxies—may provoke us through attacks in order to disrupt the elections. I warn them: Do not test us. You will face disproportionate retaliation.”
Benjamin Netanyahu
An “X-ray” of the elections
Polling stations open tomorrow at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote and are called upon to elect the 120 new members of the Knesset, from a long ballot that includes 37 parties or coalitions and 1,363 candidates.
“The election is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu. Israelis are more divided than ever.”
Joe Federman – AP Reporter
The race is expected to be a close one, with the contest likely to be between the two major coalitions, neither of which, according to polls, is projected to secure a majority of 61 seats.
This is the current governing coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu, whose core is the Likud party, with allies from far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, which, according to polls, holds between 48 and 53 seats.
Opposing it is the opposition coalition led by retired Army Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and his “Yasar” party. A diverse bloc of center-right and left-wing parties, projected to win between 52 and 56 seats.
“Netanyahu does not have a majority. He wants to trap Israel in a transitional government under his leadership. I won’t let that happen. On Tuesday, Netanyahu must go home.”
Gadi Eizenkot – Leader of the Opposition
Given that a parliamentary majority is out of the question, the role of the Arab parties—which are expected to win more than 13 seats—is considered decisive. However, the Jewish parties have ruled out cooperation with them.
The uncertainty of the situation is also reflected in the 36% of undecided voters, in a population that is deeply divided and polarized on both sides.
“What are we to do? Bibi has proven his worth. Only Bibi will win the election.”
Jerusalem resident
“I’ll vote for Eisenkot… because it’s time for someone to start bringing people together.”
Resident of Sderot
The Next Day
The process of forming a government could take days, weeks, or even months, as after the results are announced, the President of Israel will begin a round of talks with the parties that will enter the Knesset to decide whom to entrust with the mandate, although he will work —as he has stated—to achieve, if possible, a government of national unity with the participation of the two main contenders.
“I will do everything I can to form a stable government in Israel. I will do everything I can to prevent a repeat election.”
Isaac Herzog – President of Israel
In other words, it is not enough for Netanyahu’s or Eisenkot’s party to come in first. The question is who can find the necessary partners and secure the 61 Knesset members who will be called upon to cast a vote of confidence in the new government.
And if not, then new elections are the only option.
Watch Yiannis Xenophontos’s report:
