Four things to know about the Israeli election
Israeli voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday in the nation’s first elections following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
TL;DR
- The election is the first in Israel since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, occurring during a period of multi-front conflict and international unpopularity.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in power for nearly two decades, faces a strong challenge, with the election widely seen as a referendum on his leadership, particularly in light of the October 7th attacks.
- The election features 38 parties, with 11 expected to secure seats in the Knesset. A close race is predicted, potentially empowering smaller parties to become kingmakers.
- Key issues include national security amid ongoing conflicts, the role of religion in the state, and the nation's strained relationship with the United States, which has shown frustration with Israel's current policies.