Tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates returned home to vote in the recent election, with many hoping to end Benjamin Netanyahu's prime ministership. However, the results indicate a deadlock in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, which will likely allow Netanyahu to remain as caretaker prime minister. The election saw a record-high turnout of 77.7%, with Netanyahu's party, Likud, securing the most seats. Nevertheless, the "change" bloc, led by challenger Gadi Eisenkot, has no clear path to unseat Netanyahu.
The deadlock is largely attributed to both dominant blocs ruling out involvement with the two Arab parties, which achieved their best-ever election result with 19 seats in the Knesset. The Arab parties, representing 20% of Israel's electorate, have made efforts to demonstrate their willingness to govern for all Israelis. However, a "firewall" exists between the mainstream Jewish parties and the Arab parties, making it challenging to form a coalition. Experts suggest that Netanyahu's position may strengthen if he restarts strikes against Iran, which could inspire a rally-round-the-flag reaction in Israel.
The two Arab parties, Ra'am and the Joint List, have made significant efforts to appeal to Jewish voters. Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas has appointed Jewish-Israeli Yoav Segalovitz to the number two spot in his party and as its nominee for national security minister. Despite these efforts, the election campaign saw little discussion of Palestinian statehood, with both major blocs opposing a two-state solution. Netanyahu and Eisenkot have expressed similar views on this issue, offering little optimism for the Palestinian people.
In contrast to Israel, the recent election in Serbia resulted in a decisive victory for the Student List, a coalition of opposition parties and activists. The Student List ousted the 12-year government of Aleksandar Vucic's pro-Russian Serbian Progressive Party. This outcome has been hailed as a significant development, offering hope to groups opposing corrupt and authoritarian regimes. However, the Student List faces the challenge of unifying its disparate members and developing a cohesive policy platform.
The Student List's victory marks a turning point in Serbian politics, with the movement seeking to tackle corruption and improve the quality of democracy. However, deep ideological divisions within the coalition may hinder its ability to govern effectively. The Student List's success has been attributed to its ability to mobilize young people and tap into widespread discontent with the Vucic regime.
In the United States, the midterm elections are approaching, with voters preparing to assess the first two years of Donald Trump's second term. The elections are seen as a report card on Trump's presidency, with the Democrats seeking to capitalize on their momentum in the opinion polls and fundraising. However, the inflation rate has continued to rise, driven by increasing fuel prices, which may impact the Republicans' chances.
The midterm elections will also be influenced by foreign policy, with many voters aware that rising prices are linked to Trump's tariff policy and the war in Iran. The elections will provide insight into the shifting dynamics of American politics and the ongoing challenges facing Trump's presidency. The outcome will have significant implications for the remainder of Trump's term and the future of American politics.
Key points
- Israel's election deadlock is likely to allow Benjamin Netanyahu to remain as caretaker prime minister.
- Serbia's election resulted in a decisive victory for the Student List, ousting the 12-year government of Aleksandar Vucic's pro-Russian Serbian Progressive Party.
- The US midterm elections will serve as a report card on Donald Trump's presidency, with voters assessing his performance on issues such as the economy and foreign policy.
