Israel Elections Under Netanyahu: Security, Economy, Legal Disputes Intertwine

Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has held 16 Knesset elections, averaging one every four years. The election originally scheduled for October 9, 2023, was disrupted by the collapse of internal parliamentary coalitions, which prevented the Knesset from passing legislation and ultimately led to its dissolution earlier this year. The central issues of this election include national security, economic recovery, and the ongoing tensions of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Particularly following the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, voters have paid close attention to the leadership’s decision-making and crisis management capabilities.

As of the 28th of this month, statistics compiled by CNA indicate that more than 50 percent of the ballots have been counted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and its coalition partners maintain a significant lead over the opposition, although they have not yet secured a majority of seats in the Knesset. Historical data shows that Likud has consistently topped the polls in previous elections with approximately 30 seats. However, the specific figures for the current election have not yet been finalized, and with ballots still remaining uncounted, the final results remain subject to fluctuation.

Netanyahu has served as Prime Minister continuously from 2009 to 2021 and was re-elected in 2022, making him the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history. His political career is widely regarded as representing the Israeli right-wing bloc, characterized by a firm defense policy and the expansion of settlements. In recent years, he has faced multiple criminal charges, including corruption, fraud, and obstruction of justice, leading to several periods in custody. Although the courts have not yet rendered a final verdict, these charges have become a significant factor for voters assessing his leadership. Supporters of Netanyahu emphasize his role as a steadfast ally to the United States on the international stage and his hardline stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict, arguing that these positions are essential for safeguarding Israel’s national security.

From a domestic policy perspective, if Netanyahu successfully forms a multi-party coalition government, he is likely to continue prioritizing economic liberalization and defense spending. Conversely, the election results may prompt adjustments in Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip and its diplomatic strategies. If the opposition secures a larger share of the coalition government, there would be greater prospects for implementing more tolerant social policies, such as enhancing social welfare, strengthening equal protections for non-Jewish demographics, and seeking more inclusive solutions to the Palestinian issue. It is worth noting that Israel’s electoral system is multi-party with an electoral threshold of 3.25 percent, meaning that even minor parties with few seats can play a pivotal role in coalition negotiations.

On the international level, Netanyahu’s return to power would sustain his close relationship with the United States. The U.S. plays a crucial role in providing security and economic aid to Israel, and the strategic cooperation between the two nations in the Middle East is significant. If Netanyahu succeeds in forming a government, he may maintain a relatively hardline stance on policies regarding the Palestinians, which could further impact diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab nations. On the other hand, if the opposition gains greater influence within the coalition government, it could foster cooperation between Israel and certain Arab countries in the fields of energy, technology, and security, potentially injecting new momentum into the process of diplomatic normalization.

As the final election results are announced and coalition negotiations proceed, Israel’s domestic and foreign policy trajectories will become clearer over the coming months. The choices made by voters in this political contest represent both a vote on the nation’s future direction and a response to shifting international dynamics. Regardless of the final composition of the government, it will profoundly influence Israel’s policy directions both at home and abroad, with long-term implications for peace and stability across the Middle East region. (Source: CNA)