Election Results in Israel: A Divided Outcome
In the recent Israeli elections, neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor his primary adversary, Gadi Eisenkot, achieved a majority.
As of Thursday morning, Netanyahu’s Likud party, along with its allies from religious and nationalist factions, is forecasted to win 53 seats. In contrast, Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, partnered with anti-Netanyahu groups, is projected to secure 48 seats.
With 61 seats necessary to form a government, both leaders face the challenge of persuading smaller parties to join their ranks. Complicating matters is the fact that both have ruled out any alliance with the Arab-led Ra’am and Joint List parties, which garnered a total of 19 seats.
Interestingly, Arab voter turnout was around 80%, a significant increase of about 25% compared to 2022, as reported by the business publication Globes.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu accused Arab parties of engaging in voter fraud. In his statement, he claimed, “The elections in the State of Israel were stolen by Arab parties that support terrorism and the elimination of the Jewish state through serious criminal offenses of bribery, threats, violence, forgeries, and the use of prohibited software to mobilize voters.”
The overall turnout for the elections has reached a remarkable 77.7%, marking the highest level in 27 years, according to the Central Elections Committee. Committee Director-General Dean Livne remarked that such nationwide voter turnout has not been seen since 1973.
Although ballots from active-duty soldiers and diplomats are still being counted, it seems unlikely that the remaining votes will significantly influence the overall results.
Arab Joint List Chairman Yousef Jabareen noted that any leader hoping to replace Netanyahu would need to rely on their support, highlighting conditions that include the establishment of a Palestinian state along pre-1967 lines.
In a bid to sway public opinion, one advertisement from Likud warned that an Eisenkot government would effectively be under the control of Abbas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Meanwhile, Netanyahu issued election day warnings that high Arab turnout could negatively impact the right-wing vote.
Despite ongoing global interest in Israel, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict, these issues don’t necessarily align with political discussions within the country. Most significant parties oppose the formation of a Palestinian state and advocate for the continuation of anti-terrorism efforts.
Other contentious topics, such as the exemption from military draft for the Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox community), were also prominent during the campaign.
Many view this election as a referendum on Netanyahu himself, who has alternated as prime minister for nearly 20 years.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu leading up to the elections. On October 18, he referred to him as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and connected future American actions regarding Iran to Netanyahu’s re-election, stating that without him, “America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so.”
Trump reiterated his support just days before the elections, urging voters to back Netanyahu to continue their shared agenda.
After the election results are certified, Israeli President Isaac Herzog will be responsible for appointing a prime minister. The chosen candidate will then have 28 days, with a potential 14-day extension, to establish a governing coalition. If unsuccessful, fresh elections could be on the horizon, with Netanyahu leading a caretaker government.
“I don’t believe the president of the United States or anyone else can intervene in my decisions,” Herzog said when asked about Trump’s endorsement.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu continues to face corruption charges, and Herzog has indicated that he will not grant a pardon request and instead proposed mediation for plea bargain discussions.
Despite the challenges, Netanyahu still has strong support among his base. One voter, Zohar Hindi, expressed confidence, stating, “There’s no one who can replace Bibi.”
