What you need to know about the most consequential election in Israel’s history
Israel is holding its first election since the deadly October 2023 Hamas attacks, with many Israelis describing it as the most consequential in the country's history.
On Tuesday, Israel holds its first election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, the majority civilians. Since then, Israel has pursued a war in Gaza, fought two inconclusive wars with Iran, and intensified settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
Domestically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has targeted democratic institutions, including the Supreme Court. Many Israelis view this election as the most consequential in the country's history, with security concerns overshadowing even the cost of living crisis.
Key Candidates
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led Israel for 19 of the last 30 years, seeks a new mandate with US President Donald Trump's endorsement. Netanyahu is on trial for corruption, and losing power could increase his risk of jail time.
His main rival is Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and political newcomer whose son and two nephews were killed fighting in Gaza in 2024. Eisenkot lacks Netanyahu's charisma but has embraced that in his campaign, naming his new party Yashar (Honesty).
anyone who cares about their physical existence should pause before voting for the opposition
Critical Issues
Security dominates the election, with opponents criticizing Netanyahu for the October 7 attacks, democratic erosion, religious extremism, and multi-front wars. They promise an inquiry into October 7 and ending draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
Netanyahu has blamed security officials for the October 7 failure and claims to be the only leader with experience to keep Israel safe. His far-right allies have called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank, while ultra-Orthodox partners seek to preserve military exemptions.
Polls and Coalition Building
Most polls show Netanyahu's Likud and coalition partners losing their majority, with a clear anti-Netanyahu bloc. However, opposition seats are divided between Eisenkot's Jewish Israeli parties and Palestinian parties, complicating coalition formation.
The Knesset has 120 seats, and no single party has ever won a majority. Exit polls will be released at 10pm Israeli time (8pm GMT), with initial results expected early Wednesday. Full results could take longer, depending on two small parties near the 3.25% threshold.
The far-right Amcha Yisrael has pledged to back Netanyahu if it enters parliament, while the Reservists party has ruled out joining governments supported by ultra-Orthodox or Palestinian parties. If the election is close, counting could take more than a day.
Voting Rights
About 15 million people live under Israeli control, with just over 7 million Jewish Israelis and 1.7 million Palestinian citizens having voting rights within the pre-1967 borders. In the occupied West Bank, 500,000 Israeli settlers can vote among 3.1 million Palestinians without voting rights.
In East Jerusalem, 230,000 Israelis have voting rights among 350,000 Palestinians who cannot vote. Two million Palestinians in Gaza, living under Israeli military occupation according to the International Court of Justice, also have no vote.
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