Wegweisende Abstimmung: Parlamentswahl in Israel angelaufen – Enges Rennen erwartet

Israel has begun the election of a new Parliament, with around 7.3 million eligible voters tasked with choosing the 120 members of the 26th Knesset. This election is considered a defining moment, as it could shape the nation's political and social direction for years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands to gain or lose a great deal in this election, as it is the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre and subsequent Gaza War. Thousands of Israelis living abroad have traveled back to their homeland to vote.

The race is expected to be tight between Netanyahu's right-leaning camp and his political opponents. The frontrunner on the opposition side is former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Center Party Jaschar. A stalemate similar to previous elections is not ruled out. At least 61 mandates are needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

There are roughly 12,000 polling stations open across the country, most closing by 9 PM EST. Preliminary prognostications, based on exit polls, are expected to be released shortly after the polls close. A total of 36 lists are competing. Recent polls suggest that about one-third of them will clear the 3.25 percent threshold and enter the Parliament.

Preliminary final results are anticipated on Thursday, with the official results to be published eight days post-election. President Izchak Herzog will then appoint the candidate with the best chances of forming a government, who will have four weeks to forge a coalition. The previous election took place in November 2022, during which Netanyahu formed the far-right government, the most right-leaning in Israel's history.