Richtungsweisende Abstimmung: Millionen Israelis wählen neues Parlament

The recent parliamentary election in Israel is being viewed by many as a vote on the political and societal direction of the country. In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, residents expressed fear that another victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government might signal the end of Israel as a liberal democracy. A mass protest against Netanyahu's coalition took place over the weekend, with tens of thousands marching in the streets.

Between the right-wing religious government coalition and the more liberal opposition, a head-to-head race appears to be forming. Most Israeli polling stations opened between 6:00 and 21:00 CET on election day. Around 7.3 million people were called upon to vote for the 120 members of the Knesset. This is the first election following the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in Israel, which sparked the devastating Gaza War with tens of thousands of deaths.

The tough military response in the Gaza Strip has isolated Israel internationally. A hard-hitting military overhaul by the government, and a controversial dispute over military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, have deeply divided Israeli society. The conflict with Iran continues to simmer. Recent years have seen wars with Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Iran, weighing heavily on regional tensions.

Recent US reports suggest Netanyahu pushed for a further joint attack on Iran before the election, but Trump reportedly rejected this. An Israeli TV station reported fears within the Israeli military that Netanyahu could use the conflict for domestic political gain, leading to disputes with General Staff Chief Eyal Zamir. Israel's leadership denied these reports.

Observers in Israel assume future conflicts with Iran are likely, even with a change of government in Israel. Netanyahu has recently made headlines with a drastic illustration depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv. Israel's government has long warned Iran may acquire nuclear weapons. Iran denies this. Netanyahu's main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot of the Center Party Jaschar, accused the Prime Minister of fearmongering in the wake of the nuclear bomb image.

He also pointed out Netanyahu failed to achieve his goals in the last Iran war several months ago. Netanyahu has recently also proposed the use of cryptocurrencies to prepare for possible international banking sanctions. Israel would follow the example of North Korea and Iran in this regard. Observers warn an exclusion from the international financial system could severely impact Israel's economy, which is heavily dependent on foreign trade and foreign investment.

Several states have already imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers or individual government members due to Israel's policies in the occupied West Bank. However, comprehensive restrictions on Israel's banking system do not currently exist. Conflict with Palestinians is also a major election issue in Israel. Right-wing politicians tried to appeal to voters by promising tough action against Palestinian violence, while downplaying the rise in Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

A new operation by Israel's army against heavily armed Palestinian fighters in Hebron began over the weekend, displacing hundreds of Palestinians. The army reportedly intended to end the operation, but Netanyahu allegedly insisted on continuing it before the election. Most Israeli opposition parties still oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state.

However, observers believe a government coalition with parties from the opposing camps, or a minority government with the support of Arab parties, could be possible if the government formation fails. If no government is formed, Netanyahu could initially remain in charge of a caretaker government.