Israel, Unable to Conclude After Three Elections in One Year... 'Another Election?'

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Israel is holding a general election on the 2nd after failing to form a majority coalition government, but there are forecasts that no conclusion will be reached in this election either.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Israel held general elections in April and September last year but failed to form a majority government responsible for governance. According to foreign media, based on opinion polls, neither the Likud Party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor the Blue and White Party led by former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz is expected to succeed in forming a majority coalition government necessary to establish a government in this election.

Despite consecutive elections, Israel has failed to form a government, delaying the budget formulation for this year. If another election is held again, political turmoil is expected to intensify further.

Voter turnout is also a point of interest. Due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), how many Israeli voters will visit polling stations is also a matter of attention.

Israel has allowed voters who are under home quarantine, if asymptomatic and wearing masks, to vote at special polling stations.

However, Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to make every effort to form a coalition government after the general election. This is because Netanyahu himself is scheduled to stand trial on the 17th for charges including corruption.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.