Netanyahu retains leadership after elections

Benyamin Netanyahu has retained his position as Israel's leader following unprecedented elections, although his party, Likud, lost seats, dropping from 32 to 27 in the Knesset.

Electoral system affects political landscape

The Israeli electoral system, based on an absolute proportionality principle, allows voters to cast ballots for lists of candidates rather than for specific constituencies, leading to party fragmentation and making it difficult to form a governing majority.

Netanyahu seeks support from radical parties

Netanyahu, whose secular vision is inspired by Vladimir Jabotinsky, will need to rely more heavily on radical parties such as the ultra-Orthodox and ultra-Zionist factions that support a larger and more Jewish Israel on both territorial and demographic levels. This reliance may further reinforce the actions of settlers in the West Bank, particularly under the influence of his Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Opposition coalition faces internal challenges

The opposition, led by Gadi Eizenkot, brings together former Labor Party members, nationalists from Naftali Bennett's party, and the ultra-secular Israel Beytenou party of Avigdor Liberman. This coalition, while opposing Netanyahu, contains elements that are difficult to reconcile internally.

Arab Israeli lists gain representation

The two Arab Israeli lists, the Joint List of Yousef Jabareen and the Ra'am party of Mansour Abbas, have secured 19 of the 120 seats in the Knesset. Security concerns in their communities, plagued by criminal activity, remain a critical issue for these groups. They have accused Ben-Gvir of failing to ensure public order.

Homosexual cause gains political visibility

The political significance of the homosexual cause has also emerged, with large crowds attending Gay Pride parades in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem this summer, serving as a visible challenge to extremists.

U.S. House elections could shift power

In the United States, elections for the House of Representatives will take place next week, with the Democrats expected to gain control, though the size of their majority remains uncertain. Donald Trump will attempt to influence legislative outcomes through executive orders and vetoes, with any bill not passed by at least two-thirds of the House potentially blocked by the president.