How do Israel's elections work and who are the main contenders?
Summary
Israel's general election is set for 27 October, the first since the Hamas attacks in October 2023 and ongoing conflicts in the region. The main race is between current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, with security, judicial reform, and cost of living as key issues.Key Facts
- The election will decide Israel's next government in its 120-seat parliament called the Knesset.
- Benjamin Netanyahu leads the most right-wing government in Israel's history and is running for re-election.
- Gadi Eisenkot, a former military leader, challenges Netanyahu, focusing on security failures from the October 2023 attacks.
- Other candidates include right-wing Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, and left-wing Yair Golan.
- Netanyahu’s coalition includes far-right parties that support annexing the West Bank and policies that might displace Palestinians.
- Arab parties, representing about one-fifth of Israel’s population, may influence the outcome, though most Jewish parties refuse to partner with them.
- Israel uses a proportional representation system, so no single party usually wins a majority; coalitions are needed.
- Key issues in the election include national security, military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews, judicial reforms, and rising living costs.
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