Record turnout signals support for democracy, but Israel election deadlock reflects country’s deep divisions

Democratic participation, deeper divisions

Voters turned out in record numbers, with Jews and Arabs participating. Some people also travelled from abroad, spending thousands to cast ballots. President Isaac Herzog described the vote as a “badge of honour” for Israeli society. He said the desire for democracy in Israel was remarkable.

Disputes over society and service

The election also brought longstanding tensions into sharper view. Disputes over judicial reforms had already prompted mass demonstrations during the early years of the government. Questions about subsidies for religious study and who serves in the military remain divisive. Ultra-Orthodox people make up almost 15% of the population, and the article contrasts their outlook with that of residents in Tel Aviv’s high-tech neighbourhoods.

A difficult path to government

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party suffered significant losses but was still on course to become the largest party in the Knesset. Netanyahu faces corruption accusations, which he denies, and criticism over the failure to protect Israel before 7 October; he has not allowed an investigation into that failure. Arab parties, representing about a fifth of Israeli citizens, won around 15% of the vote and could hold seats in the high teens. Gadi Eisenkot said the public had “spoken in favour of change.”

Uncertain choices ahead

The opposition bloc must decide whether to set aside campaign promises and work with Arab parties to remove Netanyahu from office. Arab parties, in turn, would have to consider joining a government that might collapse within months.

Forming a government could take months and might fail, leading to another election. The result has raised questions about what binds the country together and whether its internal divisions can be managed.