If Mr. Netanyahu is re-elected as prime minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a controversial politician convicted of inciting racism and once deemed unfit for politics by Mr. Netanyahu himself, could be appointed to a senior cabinet position.
Today, Israelis are voting in general elections for the fifth time in just under four years, with the outcome unclear and the possibility of additional elections already existing.
The election is considered a referendum on former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been in opposition for 15 of the past 26 years, despite being Israel’s longest-serving leader and having been in power for 15 of those years.
According to the most recent surveys, his political party is one seat short of a majority.
Amid concerns of apathy, voter turnout will be a crucial element.
Approximately 67% of eligible voters participated in the most recent election, a decline from the previous election a year earlier when 71.5% of eligible voters participated.
Before the election, the economy and security are two of the most crucial problems for Israelis, particularly amid a period of heightened violence.
Mr. Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption, which has alienated many of his conventional political supporters, prompting him to seek coalition support from far-right groups.
If Mr. Netanyahu is elected, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a controversial politician convicted of inciting racism and once deemed unfit for politics by Mr. Netanyahu himself, might be appointed to a high ministerial position.
Mr. Netanyahu has recently courted Mr. Ben-Gvir, trying to capitalize on the ultranationalists’ growing popularity, particularly among young Israelis.
However, Mr. Netanyahu’s strategy could backfire, as support for extremist groups has increased in recent months, and they could end up stealing votes from Mr. Netanyahu himself.
Mr. Ben-Gvir has frequently been at the center of conflict in Jerusalem, and his temporary office in the contested Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of east Jerusalem has sparked violent clashes.
‘I’ll mow you down
During recent rioting in the neighborhood, he was seen brandishing a rifle and yelling at Palestinians, “I’ll mow you down. Remember, we’re the landlords here; I am your landlord.”
Mr. Ben-Gvir has regularly demanded the deportation of “disloyal” Palestinians and labeled Arab leaders “terrorists.”
The current prime minister, Yair Lapid, who leads a coalition of eight parties, is running on a platform of unity and stability.
In Israel, the former television host and the centrist politician is a well-known character, but his Yesh Atid party is currently trailing in the polls.
It will likely be difficult for the victor to form a coalition capable of governing.
In the 120-seat Knesset, 61 seats are required for an absolute majority, but in pre-election polling, neither side has reached that threshold.
Another inconclusive outcome might result in protracted coalition talks and possibly a sixth election.
Voter participation could aid Netanyahu’s opponents
The election takes place while violence in the West Bank escalates. This year, at least 120 Palestinians and 20 Israelis have perished.
Mr. Netanyahu’s opponents could gain from a high turnout among the Israeli-Arab population.
The departing coalition includes an Arab party, a first in Israeli political history, but its failure to bring substantial progress or change for Israeli-Arabs may result in a poor voter turnout among this group.
Although the result will certainly be determined by Tuesday night’s late hours, the formation of a coalition administration might take days or even weeks.
