Israelis vote for 26th Knesset amid close race and ongoing conflicts

Israelis are scheduled to vote on October 27 to elect the 26th Knesset, marking the first general election since recent conflicts involving Palestinians in Gaza and wars with Lebanon and Iran, according to the Grenada Chronicle and Dominican Republic Post.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister with 19 years in office, is seeking another term while facing corruption charges. His Likud party, along with a far-right coalition, is in a tight contest with a Jewish-led opposition bloc, with neither side expected to secure an outright majority in the 120-seat parliament.

About 7.3 million Israeli citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to vote. Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and anyone in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote. Election day is designated a national holiday.

To enter the Knesset, parties must clear an electoral threshold of 3.25 percent. The Knesset serves a four-year term. There are no term limits for the prime minister, and a majority requires 61 seats. Historically, no party has won an outright majority, so coalition-building is necessary.

After the election, parties have 28 days, extendable by 14 days, to form a coalition with at least 61 seats. If no coalition is formed, new elections will be called. Seats are allocated proportionally based on each party’s share of the national vote.