How do Israeli elections work? A guide to voting, Knesset seats, and coalitions - explainer
Israel uses a system called proportional representation, which helps explain its many political parties, complicated coalition negotiations, and frequent early elections.
In Israel, the electoral system is based on proportional representation, which leads to a multiparty system with a wide range of political parties catering to various interests. Unlike the United States, where two major parties dominate, Israel has numerous parties representing diverse political, religious, ethnic, and social concerns.
The Knesset, Israel's parliament, consists of 120 seats distributed based on the nationwide vote, with parties forming alliances to create governments. The leader of the largest party is not automatically appointed prime minister, and smaller parties can sometimes have a significant influence on coalition negotiations. Israeli citizens who are at least 18 years old can vote, and the president, judges, state comptroller, and other positions are restricted from running for office.
Knesset terms are set at four years but can be extended, and elections are held on Tuesdays in October or November, with early elections being common.
Brief written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
