Kathmandu. Israel is voting for 120 seats in the Knesset. Most polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm local time.
This is the first general election to be held after the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The election is seen as a test of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership and security policy.
Netanyahu, the leader of the right-wing Likud party, is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. He has been criticized for failing to stop Hamas attacks. His government is also under pressure due to corruption cases and disputes over judicial reforms.
Opposition leaders, including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett, have challenged Netanyahu’s coalition. Although the polls show that the competition is tight, there is no guarantee that any party will win a clear majority. The support of at least 61 seats in the Knesset is required to form a government.
Accountability for the October 7, 2023 security failure, the future of the judiciary and democratic institutions, equality in compulsory military service and regional conflict have become key issues for voters. The ongoing military operations on various fronts in the region, including Gaza, and tensions with Iran have also fueled the debate on security policy.
After the election, if any party or coalition fails to get a majority, the confusion in the formation of the government may be prolonged. Therefore, the result will determine the direction of Israel’s future security and domestic policy along with Netanyahu’s political future. NBC News