Why Israel gives smaller parties so much airtime despite slim prospects
A crowded ballot for voters
Thirty-six parties appear on the ballot, while 38 registered with the Central Elections Committee; two later withdrew. The field ranges from established political groups to parties with unusual names and platforms.
One example is Sharshar for Love and Unity, led by Eitan Shvili, who presents himself as King Sharshar in royal costume. His campaign promises every Israeli adult a free theater ticket. Another registered party is called Everlasting Covenant for the Salvation of Israel and advocates a constitution based on the Torah.
Broadcast time is guaranteed
Israeli parties cannot purchase television airtime, but each is entitled to seven minutes on the main television and radio channels. Parties that hold seats in the outgoing Parliament receive additional time for every seat.
Election broadcasts run in nightly blocks during the two weeks before voting and may last nearly an hour. The broadcasts have been part of Israeli campaigns since television began in the country in the 1960s, giving even small parties a route to reach voters.
A close contest and uncertain result
The election is widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu, who is seeking another term leading Israel’s most far-right government. His nationalist and ultra-Orthodox coalition faces a fractured opposition loosely led by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief whose son died in the Gaza war.
Turnout reached 31.5 percent by midday, five hours after polls opened, the highest at that point in an Israeli general election since the 1970s, according to the Central Elections Committee. Polls put the rival blocs roughly level, and coalition negotiations could take weeks or months after voting ends at 10 p.m.
Key points
- Israel’s ballot includes 36 parties, after two of the 38 registered groups withdrew.
- Each party receives seven minutes of free airtime on major television and radio channels.
- Parties with seats in the outgoing Parliament receive extra broadcast time for each seat.
- Turnout reached 31.5 percent by midday, the highest at that point since the 1970s.