Israelis are voting in their first national election since the attack on Gaza began three years ago. Polling runs from 7am to 10pm local time on Tuesday, October 27, amid escalating attacks in the occupied West Bank and high tension with neighbouring countries. About 7.3 million voters are eligible, including 1.2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Media will show exit polls after voting ends, but the final result will take some time. The official results may be published on November 4.
The race is tight between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and the opposition alliance of former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. A government needs at least 61 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Polls suggest Netanyahu’s bloc could win about 50 seats and Eisenkot’s about 54.
Under Israel’s system, voters choose a party rather than individual candidates. A party needs at least 3.25 percent of the total vote to win seats in parliament.
Once the results are fully in, President Isaac Herzog will consult the winning parties and invite the person he thinks best placed to form a government. The nominee will have 42 days to do so. If no one can form a government, a new election may be called.
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