On October 27, 2026, Israelis will head to the polls to elect the next Knesset. But for those more familiar with American elections, understanding exactly what Israelis are voting for, and how those votes ultimately produce a government, can be complicated.
Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a 120-member Knesset. Rather than voting directly for a prime minister or an individual representative, Israelis cast a single vote for a political party. Parties that receive at least 3.25% of the national vote can receive seats in the Knesset.
Election Day is only the beginning of the process. After the votes become seats, Israel’s president consults with the elected parties and assigns a member of the Knesset the task of forming a government. Parties then negotiate to assemble a coalition capable of securing the confidence of at least 61 members of the Knesset.
With numerous parties competing for representation, understanding Israel’s election also means understanding who those parties represent, what they prioritize, and the role they could play in the next Knesset.
That’s why the Jewish Center for Justice created our 2026 Israel Election Guide, a resource designed to make Israel’s political system and election process easier to understand. The guide covers how Israelis vote, how a government is formed, the parties competing for seats, and how to interpret polling as Election Day approaches.
Click here 👉 JCJ 2026 Israel Election Guide
Explore the JCJ 2026 Israel Election Guide to learn more about the election and the process that will determine Israel’s next government.