How Israel's Election Process Works: Coalitions and Fallback Vote

Israelis will vote in parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with roughly 7.3 million people eligible to cast ballots. The outcome will determine who sits in the Knesset for the next four years, and the process that follows the vote is just as important as the ballot itself.

Spokesperson Michelle Sirota of the Israeli Embassy in India explained the mechanics of the election in an exclusive discussion. She said the vote is scheduled for October 27 and that she expects strong participation from the public.

A parliament of 120 seats

The Knesset consists of 120 seats. Voters can choose the largest party or any other party that reflects their views. Seats are allocated according to the mandate each party wins, meaning parties can send representatives to parliament based on their vote share. Those parties may then join a coalition or remain in opposition.

Forming a government

After the votes are counted, the president selects the party to be given the first chance to form a coalition. That party receives 28 days to bring other parties on board and build an agreement capable of commanding a majority.

If the attempt is unsuccessful, the second-largest party gets its turn. Sirota said she hoped the process would reach a stable outcome without needing this step.

If neither effort succeeds, the country will hold a new vote within 90 days.

Parties, leaders and voter choice

Sirota said that while many voters around the world focus on individual candidates, Israeli voters ultimately back a party when they enter the booth. She explained that a party is much more than its main candidate and represents a broader group of people and ideas.

A climate of anxiety

The election also takes place against a backdrop of insecurity. Sirota said many Israelis have felt fear since October 7, 2023, particularly along the borders and occasionally in central Israel. She said people want to live normal lives without the threat of bombs or terror attacks.

Sirota stressed that Israel will not tolerate threats to its citizens, regardless of where they originate, and said the country would devote its full effort to protecting them.