Dr. Hanane Abou Skeen, a professor of political science and head of the public opinion research department at the National Center for Social and Criminal Research, has provided insights into the upcoming Israeli elections. She believes that the elections do not necessarily imply a change in Israel's policy direction. The nature of Israel's party system makes government formation dependent on parties' ability to form a coalition with parliamentary support.
The Israeli parliament, or Knesset, has 120 seats, and forming a government requires securing 61 seats. Dr. Abou Skeen notes that the party with the most seats may not automatically get to form the government, as it depends on their ability to form a coalition with other parties. This has led to repeated elections in Israel in recent years due to difficulties in maintaining coalitions.
Dr. Abou Skeen discussed the current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She believes that Netanyahu has managed to maintain coalition cohesion despite internal differences by reaching agreements with religious and right-wing parties, including Shas, United Torah Judaism, and Religious Zionism.
The issue of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription is a contentious topic within Israeli society, with some Haredim refusing to serve in the military. This has impacted the government's coalition dynamics. Dr. Abou Skeen also highlighted the competition between Netanyahu's camp and opposition parties in the upcoming elections.
The Israeli political landscape is influenced by the country's relations with Iran. Dr. Abou Skeen linked developments in the Iranian dossier to internal Israeli politics, suggesting that continued escalation may be tied to the current government's survival. She also noted that the Iranian issue has been a persistent concern in Israeli politics.
The possibility of postponing the elections remains uncertain and tied to political and legal developments, particularly Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. Dr. Abou Skeen emphasized that the Israeli political scene is divided between supporters and opponents of the current government.
The Egyptian Radio and Television Union has been covering various topics, including the Israeli elections, through its programs. The "Good Morning Egypt" program, broadcast daily on the Egyptian Channel 1, has featured discussions on current events.
Key points
- Dr. Hanane Abou Skeen is a professor of political science and head of the public opinion research department at the National Center for Social and Criminal Research.
- The Israeli parliament has 120 seats, and forming a government requires securing 61 seats.
- The current Israeli government's coalition dynamics have been influenced by the issue of Haredi conscription and relations with Iran.
