Election in Israel

Almost 7 million Israelis are eligible to vote today in the country's fifth election in just four years, after its diverse, eight-party coalition fell apart in June. Polls indicate the faction allied with Benjamin Netanyahu—ousted just over a year ago—appears poised to receive the most votes. Analysts cautioned a clear majority is unlikely for any coalition, while a government may not be formed for weeks.

Netanyahu's right-leaning Likud party will battle for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset against its centrist rival Yesh Atid, led by current caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid (see party breakdown). Netanyahu, currently on trial for corruption, opposes a two-state solution with Palestinians.

A total of 39 parties are in the race, though Israeli law requires a party to earn a minimum of 3.25% of the vote to receive any seats. Unlike US elections, Israelis choose a party, not an individual legislator. Every party, then, receives a number of seats proportional to the vote. See an overview here.