The election is taking place amid rising tensions in the occupied West Bank and strained relations between Israel and several of its neighbours. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also facing domestic pressure over the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, his corruption trial and disputes over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.
Final opinion polls published on Friday indicated a close contest between Netanyahu’s bloc and the opposition led by former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
According to polling averages compiled by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 50 seats, while Eisenkot’s opposition bloc was expected to secure 54 seats.
The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, has 120 seats, and a grouping needs at least 61 seats to secure a parliamentary majority. Neither bloc is assured of reaching that threshold, raising the possibility of prolonged coalition negotiations.
When Will Polling End in Israel?
Polling stations opened at 7am local time on Tuesday and are scheduled to close at 10pm.
Around 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote, including approximately 1.2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Israel does not generally allow citizens living abroad to vote through absentee ballots. Voters are therefore required to be physically present in the country on election day, with exceptions for diplomats and state representatives, who cast their ballots at Israeli missions on October 20.
According to figures from the Central Elections Committee, voter turnout reached 31.5% between 7am and noon. The figure was reported as the highest turnout recorded by that time of day since 1977.
When Will Israel Election Results Be Announced?
Television news channels are expected to broadcast exit polls shortly after polling stations close. These projections could provide an initial indication of the outcome within hours, although the final distribution of seats may take longer to establish.
Results are also expected to be published through the Central Elections Committee’s website.
The final vote count is expected to be completed by Friday, while the official election results are scheduled for publication on November 4.
If no party or political bloc secures a majority, negotiations to form a government could continue for weeks or longer. The performance of smaller parties could prove particularly important in determining which political alliances can command enough support in parliament.
How Does Israel’s Electoral System Work?
Israel follows a system of proportional representation, under which voters choose political parties rather than individual parliamentary candidates.
The number of Knesset seats allocated to a party depends largely on its share of the national vote. For example, a party receiving 50% of the vote would be entitled to approximately 50% of the 120 parliamentary seats, subject to the rules governing seat allocation.
A party must receive at least 3.25% of the national vote to qualify for parliamentary representation.
Around a dozen parties are expected to cross this threshold, making the final allocation of seats an important part of the election process. Parties falling below the threshold will not receive seats, which can affect the balance between competing political blocs.
How Will Israel Choose Its Next Prime Minister?
Once the election results are finalised, Israeli President Isaac Herzog will consult party leaders to determine which candidate has the strongest prospects of forming a government.
The president will then nominate a candidate to attempt to form a governing coalition. The nominee has up to 42 days to assemble a government.
Israel has never had a single party win an outright majority in a general election, making coalition governments a central feature of its parliamentary system. Negotiations often involve several parties with differing political priorities and can take weeks to conclude.
Smaller parties may therefore play a decisive role in determining which candidate can secure sufficient parliamentary support.
What Happens If Netanyahu or His Rivals Fail to Form a Government?
If the initial attempt to form a government fails, other political options may be explored, including support from smaller parties, a minority government or a power-sharing arrangement between rival political leaders.
The outcome will depend on whether any candidate can assemble a workable coalition capable of commanding support in the 120-member Knesset.
If negotiations fail and no viable government can be formed, Israel could be required to hold another election. In the meantime, the outgoing government would continue operating in a caretaker capacity.
The election could therefore be followed by an extended period of political negotiations, with the final balance of parliamentary seats and the positions of smaller parties likely to shape Israel’s next government.
