How do Israeli elections work? A guide to voting, Knesset seats, and coalitions - explainer

The Jerusalem Post publishes an explainer on the Israeli electoral system ahead of the 2026 elections. The article details proportional representation, the 3.25% electoral threshold, the Bader-Ofer method for seat distribution, and the role of coalition negotiations. It explains that voters choose a party list, not a prime minister or local representative, and that the entire country is a single electoral district. The Knesset has 120 seats, a number inspired by the Great Assembly. The piece serves as a neutral guide to the mechanics of Israeli elections. Excess-vote agreements between lists can affect the final distribution.

The Jerusalem Post publishes an explainer on the Israeli electoral system, ahead of the 2026 elections. The article details the proportional representation system, where voters choose a single party list rather than a prime minister or local representative. The entire country is a single electoral district. To enter the Knesset, a list must cross the 3.25% electoral threshold. The Bader-Ofer method distributes remaining seats after an initial quota calculation. Excess-vote agreements between lists can affect the final distribution. The article explains the multiparty system, coalition negotiations, and the role of smaller parties in determining who governs. The Knesset has 120 seats, a number inspired by the Great Assembly. The piece serves as a neutral guide to the mechanics of Israeli elections.