Who Israel elects matters, and not just for Israelis

Days before Israel’s general election, polls suggest Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right and ultra-Orthodox partners may fall short of a parliamentary majority. The opposition may also struggle to form a government because most of its parties have ruled out a coalition with parties that primarily represent Palestinian citizens of Israel. If it can assemble a majority, the opposition could be led by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff from the centre right. The stakes extend beyond a change of government, as the result could affect policies toward Israel’s key challenges, the Palestinians and the wider region, though any shift would come with significant qualifications.