Israelis Head to Polls in Election Seen as Pivotal

Israelis head to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in what many regard as one of the most important elections in the country’s history.

Voters in Israel choose party lists rather than directly electing a prime minister. Parliamentary seats are distributed through proportional representation, with parties required to clear an electoral threshold to enter parliament.

The result determines not only the strength of individual parties but also their prospects for forming a governing coalition. Negotiations between parties can therefore be as decisive as the vote itself.

After consultations with party representatives, Israel’s president tasks a lawmaker with trying to form a government. Tuesday’s ballot will shape that process, though the composition of the next government may not be clear immediately after voting ends.