Turnout so far highest on record as Israelis vote in pivotal election
Turnout so far is at record levels, as Israelis vote in what many view as one of the most pivotal elections in the country’s history. Polling published on Friday suggests incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu is almost neck-and-neck with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot in the race to become prime minister. But neither of their political blocs [...] The post Turnout so far highest on record as Israelis…
Voting is shaping up to be the most significant election in Israel's history, with record turnout so far. The race appears to be a dead heat between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. However, neither man's political bloc is expected to secure the 61 seats required to form a government, indicating a possible period of political uncertainty ahead.
The election has been a platform to discuss crucial issues like democracy and security. Netanyahu's government is facing accusations of alleged irregularities at polling stations across the country, though the Central Election Committee maintains there is no evidence of systematic tampering. The proportional representation system means the coalition-building process to form a government will be intricate.
Eisenkot, leading the newly formed Yashar Party, is the lead figure in the so-called "change bloc", a coalition of parties united in their goal of removing Netanyahu. Other prominent members include former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, who shares Netanyahu's hardline stance on security issues. The opposition hopes to form a viable alternative to Netanyahu's coalition, which is currently the most right-wing in Israeli political history.
The campaign has been dominated by security concerns, with opposition parties criticizing Netanyahu over the devastating attacks in Tel Aviv on October 7th, 2023. Netanyahu, who has been accused of downplaying the security threat, frames himself as "Mr. Security," emphasizing his strategic military victories and close ties with the United States. However, reports suggest he made efforts to launch military strikes on Iran before the election, denied by the leaders involved.
Another hot-button issue is the draft, with Netanyahu's government refusing to enforce a Supreme Court ruling that would conscript ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the military. Eisenkot, while sharing Netanyahu's stance on the Gaza Strip, has pledged to end Hamas rule through a US-led peace plan or, if necessary, through military action.
Settlements in the occupied West Bank, deemed illegal under international law, remain contentious, with Eisenkot advocating for their expansion and a "state-minus" for Palestinians under Israeli security control. The two-state solution, previously central to Israeli politics, has largely vanished from mainstream discourse.
As election results are expected to bring complex coalition-building and delicate concessions, Israelis will be closely watching the official exit polls at 10 PM on Tuesday, which could provide some insight into the direction of the vote.
Written by urgent.news from KahawaTungu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
