Israel’s election: Five key things to know
Vote comes as Israel is embroiled in multiple wars, faces international criticism and grapples with domestic divisions.
The vote, the first since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, is being called one of the most important in its history.
It will determine the direction of Israel’s government as the country remains embroiled in multiple years-long conflicts, faces growing international criticism and grapples with deepening polarisation at home.
Any party clearing an electoral threshold of 3.25 percent enters parliament, whose term lasts four years.
The election also comes as Israel’s international standing has deteriorated, with a host of Israel’s allies sanctioning its illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, and many other nations denouncing the country’s continued attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.