Israel tightens security ahead of poll as Netanyahu pushes comeback bid
Israel has tightened security ahead of parliamentary elections on Tuesday, the fifth in about three-and-a-half years.
Around 18,000 members of the security forces will be deployed on election day as some 6.8 million eligible voters cast their ballot, a police spokesperson said on Monday.
Former prime minister and current opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping for a comeback.
According to recent polls, his party, the Likud, could once again become the strongest force in the Israeli parliament, called the Knesset.
However, it is unclear whether a pro-Netanyahu coalition could form a majority.
According to the latest pre-election polls, his bloc could get 60 out of 120 seats.
This would again create a stalemate with the opposing camp of the current Prime Minister, Yair Lapid.
The turnout of the Arab population could be decisive, whose minority makes up about 20 per cent of Israel’s approximately 9.4 million citizens.
If one of the smaller parties in the Lapid camp fails to clear the 3.25 per cent hurdle, this could pave the way for an ultra-right government under Mr Netanyahu.
The far-right alliance of Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir is seen as a possible kingmaker.
Polls predict that their Religious Zionist Party could become the third strongest force in the country.
Smotrich presented a radical programme before the election, the implementation of which would lead to a weakening of the judicial system in Israel, according to Professor Jonathan Rynhold, political department head at Bar Ilan university in Tel Aviv.
The intended changes could also lead to the cancellation of the pending corruption case against the former prime minister Mr Netanyahu.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 1
APC asks Obi to quit 2027 presidential race over debt, poor performance as Anambra governor
The APC presidential campaign council asked Peter Obi, the NDC 2027 presidential candidate, to quit the race over his poor performance as Anambra State governor.
States
Borno LG enrols 119 out-of-school children
Dahiru Hamma, the council chairman, said the initiative was meant to complement Governor Babagana Zulum’s efforts to improve the education sector.
World
CNN, MS NOW, Politico to sue White House over Trump ban
Mr Trump last week banned journalists from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from covering him at the White House, citing unfavourable coverage of him and his administration.
Heading 5
Wike defends Rainbow Coalition, says Tinubu’s re-election remains major political priority
“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” he said.
Politics
Edo Senatorial Ticket: Court to deliver judgment in ex-lawmaker’s suit against NDC November 26
Mr Agbonayinma filed the suit, challenging the NDC’s alleged unlawful substitution of his name with those of Osayuki Asemota and Sunday Aguebor.
Education
Afri-mission returns 178 vulnerable children to school
The group said some beneficiaries were displaced persons whose parents had lost their livelihoods, while others were children of widows who could not afford to send them to school.
