Lapid vs Netanyahu: Close race expected in Israel

In Israel, elections will take place for the fifth time in three and a half years. Will Netanyahu return to power or will Lapid remain prime minister? It seems to be close, because no one got a clear majority in the polls.

A commercial that has been running in Israel in recent weeks shows an 18-year-old first-time voter whose day begins with a surprise: Oren, as the young man is called, was still in bed and asleep when he was suddenly woken up with little sensitivity . “Wake up,” said an older male voice in the commercial. Oren opened his eyes and saw: Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Oren, this is not a dream. Get up. It’s important that you vote. We will win, God willing, but if you don’t vote, we will lose.” Oren, drowsy, pledges to vote for Netanyahu no matter what. He’s happy and leaves.

Bibi hopes to return to power

Benjamin Netanyahu, nicknamed Bibi, was in the opposition for about a year and a half and maybe he will soon be rid of this unloved role. As the top candidate of his national conservative Likud party, the 73-year-old can hope for a return to power – supported by two strictly religious Jewish parties and the ultra-right electoral alliance “Religious Zionism” around Itamar Ben Gvir. His list could become fourth or even third strongest force.

When he voted, Ben Gvir was confident of victory: “Anyone who votes for us will get Netanyahu as prime minister and an exclusively right-wing government. Our goal is to prevent a coalition that is only partially made up of right-wing forces.”

Ben Gvir: racist hate speech and criminal record

Ben Gvir repeatedly attracts attention with his anti-Arab, sometimes racist agitation. He has multiple criminal records, including for supporting a terrorist organization. In a Netanyahu cabinet, Ben Gvir claims the post of Minister of Internal Security.

That scares one voter in Jerusalem: “I’m worried about the outcome of the election. There could be a right-wing government with Bibi and Ben Gvir and that would be really bad for the country. I’m really afraid of that.”

Lapid wants to continue to rule

Israel’s current Prime Minister Yair Lapid voted in Tel Aviv this morning. The 58-year-old has only been in office since July and, supported by an anti-Netanyahu alliance made up of forces from almost all political camps, would like to continue to govern and absolutely prevent Netanyahu’s political comeback.

Lapid’s Future Party is expected to become the second strongest force behind Netanyahu’s Likud. After voting, Lapid said: “These elections are the transition from the past to the future. Go vote today, for the future of our children and for the future of our state. Vote well. Good luck to all of us.”

Right or left?

Netanyahu or Lapid? Right or left? This is also the starting position before this election – the fifth in just three and a half years.

You’re either for Netanyahu – like a man in Jerusalem: “My family and I have always voted for Likud. We are happy about these elections and the great opportunity for Netanyahu. Only Bibi Netanyahu gets our votes.”

Or one considers the ex-head of government, who is on trial for corruption, to be unelectable, like a passer-by: “I don’t want to hear his name, nor even think about him. I want a renewal, someone else. Not always just Bibi, Bibi, Bibi.”

Political stalemate is possible

This election could also result in a political stalemate. In the polls, neither Netanyahu and his allies nor Lapid and his political partners have a clear majority in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.

Several small parties could fail at the 3.25 percent hurdle and miss the entry into parliament. Parties from the left camp and the Arab minority are particularly affected. If they don’t get into parliament, the Netanyahu camp could benefit.