Israel's Electoral System: Voters Do Not Directly Choose the Prime Minister
Ahead of the parliamentary elections in Israel scheduled for October 27, 2026, it is noted that voters do not directly elect the prime minister, votes are cast for political parties, and the government is formed through coalition negotiations.
Israel is preparing to head to its first national vote on October 27, 2026, following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wars. As the country's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, faces the possibility of losing power, Israel's electoral system is drawing attention.
Voters in Israel do not directly choose a prime ministerial candidate; instead, they cast their ballots for political parties. The country's new leader is determined as a result of coalition negotiations and the parliamentary vote of confidence process. Under the country's proportional representation system, parties must secure at least 3.25 percent of the valid votes nationwide to enter the 120-seat Knesset.
To form a government, a prime ministerial candidate is required to secure the support of at least 61 out of the 120 members of parliament within a coalition. Following the announcement of the election results, the Israeli president holds consultations with parliamentary groups and tasks a lawmaker capable of winning a vote of confidence with forming the government.
Sources
- hindustantimes.com · Link