Israelis vote for parties not candidates in parliamentary election to form government
· World · Hindustan Times, Al Jazeera
Israeli citizens cast ballots for political parties rather than directly electing the prime minister, with the entire nation serving as a single electoral constituency. To qualify for seats in the 120-member Knesset, parties must surpass a 3.25% electoral threshold of valid votes cast nationwide. Following the October 27 parliamentary elections, the party or coalition securing a majority of Knesset seats enters coalition negotiations to form the next government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking to retain office, faces scrutiny over security failures related to the October 7, 2023 attack, with opinion polls suggesting his coalition could lose power. The election marks the country's first national vote since the Hamas attack and subsequent conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Why it matters
Israeli voters have no direct say in choosing their prime minister, meaning the resulting government depends entirely on coalition negotiations after party vote shares are determined. The outcome will shape Israel's policy direction on security, foreign affairs, and domestic issues during an ongoing regional conflict.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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