Critical election in Israel

Israel goes to the polls today for parliamentary elections for the first time after the attacks on Gaza launched on October 7, 2023, which shook the country and dragged the Middle East into turmoil.

Voting for the critical election in Israel started at 07.00 in the morning (08.00 CET). The polls will close at 22.00 (23.00 GMT).

HERZOG USED HIS GAME

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal Herzog cast their votes in Jerusalem as part of the general elections held in the country. Herzog and his wife went to the polls at a polling station in West Jerusalem.

Whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can maintain his power depends on the outcome of the elections. While its rivals promise the beginning of a new era, it may take time for definitive results to emerge.

WHEN WILL IT BE KNOWN WHO WON THE ELECTION?

It is likely that the winner of the election will be known within a few hours after the polls close. However, it may take days or even weeks for the definitive picture to emerge.

Voting started at 07:00 in the morning (08:00 Turkish lira). The polls will close at 22.00 (23.00 GMT). From now on, Israeli television channels will broadcast exit polls that will give an idea about the first results. Then the election results will begin to be announced.

The results may become clear in a short time. However, if no party or party alliance can obtain a clear majority in parliament, it may take much longer for the definitive picture to emerge.

The final counting of votes is expected to be completed by October 30. Official election results will be published on November 4, one week after the election.

WHY IS CLARIFICATION OF THE RESULTS COMPLEX?

Elections for the 120-seat Israeli Parliament (Knesset) must be held every four years. However, early elections occur frequently in the country.

Seats in the Knesset are distributed according to the proportion of votes received by parties across the country. In order for a party to enter the parliament, it must receive at least 3.25 percent of the votes nationwide.

It is thought that about a dozen parties have the possibility of passing this election threshold. Therefore, the final counting of votes and distribution of seats may take time.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE RESULTS?

After the final results are known, President Isaac Herzog will meet with party leaders to find out who they want to be prime minister. He will then appoint the candidate he believes has the best chance of forming a government.

The nominated candidate will have up to 42 days to form a government.

To date, no party in Israel has gained a majority in the parliament on its own. For this reason, governments are formed by coalitions formed by more than one party, and coalition negotiations often last weeks.

Every seat in the Knesset matters. Small parties can play a key role in the formation of the government by becoming decisive.

If the appointed candidate fails to form the government, other candidates may be given the opportunity. If no candidate can form a government, new elections are held. During this period, the current government continues its duty as the interim government.