Jerussalam- Israel is holding a general election today, Tuesday, October 27, with the results expected to determine whether incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power or a new government takes office.
Since 1996, Netanyahu has served as Israel’s prime minister for more than 17 years across several periods. His supporters have portrayed him as a strong leader on security issues. However, critics have questioned his leadership over security failures during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, as well as corruption allegations against him.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes committed during the war in Gaza.
Who Is Challenging Netanyahu?
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging Netanyahu in this election with his new centrist party, Yashar. Eisenkot lost his son during the war in Gaza.
Similarly, former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, a former Netanyahu ally and former commando, have joined forces through the Together alliance.
Former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has also emerged as one of Netanyahu’s prominent critics. His party, Yisrael Beiteinu, enjoys considerable support among immigrants who came to Israel from the former Soviet Union. Lieberman was once a close ally of Netanyahu.
Netanyahu Backed by Right-Wing Leaders
Netanyahu’s government has received support from right-wing leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
They have faced international criticism for their hardline policies towards Palestinians and their support for expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. US President Donald Trump has continued to support Netanyahu.
The number of seats won by Netanyahu’s political alliance will determine the shape of the next government. Cooperation among opposition parties and support from smaller political groups could also prove decisive in determining who forms the government.
61 Seats Required to Form a Government
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has a total of 120 seats. A party or coalition needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to form a government.
Under Israel’s electoral system, voters cast their ballots for political parties rather than directly electing individual candidates. Parliamentary seats are allocated to parties in proportion to the votes they receive.
As a result, when no single party wins an outright majority, several parties must join forces to form a governing coalition.
Therefore, Netanyahu’s political future will depend not only on which party receives the most votes but also on the balance of power among potential coalition partners. The willingness of smaller parties to support either side could ultimately determine who leads Israel’s next government.
