Jerusalem:Polling stations in Israel's closely contested general election closed Tuesday at 10 pm local time, marking the beginning of a crucial counting and coalition-building phase that will determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the election involves around 7.3 million eligible voters tasked with electing the 120 members of the Knesset. This marks Israel's first general election since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the first held on schedule since 1988. Final opinion polls suggested former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party was leading Netanyahu's Likud, though neither bloc is projected to secure the necessary 61 seats to form a government.
Israeli broadcasters Kan 11, Channel 12, and Channel 13 are expected to release separate exit polls immediately after polling stations closed, offering early estimates of seat allocations for each party and indicating potential routes to a governing majority for either Netanyahu or Eisenkot. However, these exit polls are projections and not actual vote counts. Small differences among the surveys could have significant impacts due to several parties polling near the 3.25% electoral threshold required for representation.
The official vote counting began overnight, with results from ordinary polling stations being transmitted to regional centers and the Central Elections Committee. Initial results are anticipated overnight, providing a clearer picture by Wednesday morning, though closely contested seats may remain unresolved. The allocation of parliamentary seats follows a proportional representation system, excluding votes for parties failing to meet the electoral threshold.
Special ballots, including those from soldiers, diplomats, and other specific groups, are expected to number approximately 650,000. These ballots are processed through a double-envelope system and are anticipated to influence around 14 parliamentary seats, with their counting taking between 24 and 36 hours.
The largest party does not automatically form the government. Once official results are available, President Isaac Herzog will consult with elected party representatives to determine which lawmaker should be tasked with forming a government. This process includes potential extensions and could lead to a new election if no government is successfully formed within the allotted timeframe.
Netanyahu's alliance, composed of Likud and other right-wing and religious parties, is projected to fall short of a majority, necessitating additional support or the formation of a broader unity government to remain in power. Eisenkot's potential coalition also faces challenges in reaching the 61-seat threshold, with potential support from Palestinian-led parties posing political challenges.
Should neither bloc succeed in forming a government, a national unity government or another election remains possible, echoing Israel's recent history of political deadlock and multiple elections.