With a projected win for conservative parties, where is Israel's left?
Storified by The Stream · Thu, Jan 24 2013 19:22:01
If predictions are confirmed, Netanyahu will be responsible for creating a coalition government that has the support of at least 61 members of the 120-seat parliament.
According to the head of research at "The Israel Democracy Institute," religious and ultra-Orthodox Jews and settlers in the West Bank are expected to win a significant presence in the country's 19th Knesset.
In 2011, J14 protests focused attention on Israel's pressing socio-economic issues like the rising cost of housing and the growing gap between the country's rich and poor. The following video features the organisers of the J14 protests discussing how it will influence the election (click the "closed captions" button for English subtitles):
Below are two efforts to inspire voters to head to the polls:
Many speculate Netanyahu's coalition will feature mostly right-wing parties. The Bayit Yehudi (or "Jewish Home") party was among the most popular, and supports pro-settlement policies such as annexing the West Bank. Below are two videos promoting the party:
The ultra-Orthodox Shas party had the following ad pulled from air by the Central Elections Committee after causing offence to some in the Russian-speaking community. Shas does not immediately plan to align with Netanyahu's coalition, but is expected to do so only if its demands are met.
Although some suspect that Palestinian-Israelis will have record low voter turnout, a Facebook group has launched to let Israeli activists give their votes to Palestinians.
Netizens from all over the world discussed what the election meant for Israel's future:
@AJEnglish @AJStream the more anti israel the middle east becomes, the bigger the hardline right wing candidate has for chances of winning.
@AJStream sucessive regimes have proved that it is the "agreed upon" plan of all #israel'is to continue #occupation of #palestine.
The #Israelielection may not seen that relevant but it could have big impact on US foreign policy.
