Israeli Elections

The Israeli elections took place today and the picture is just beginning to emerge. Their process is quite different from the election system that we're familiar with in the U.S. In Israel, the vote is technically for a party, rather than an individual. Additionally, following the election, a coalition must be formed, which does constitute a majority, and it is this coalition that actually forms the ruling body of Israeli politics.

In the current elections, based upon exit polling and early returns, it appears that the "right-wing" bloc (formed by several parties), led by Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu have the votes needed to form a ruling coalition. The combination of his party and the ultranationalist Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party, appear to have enough votes in order to form a conservative coalition. According to commentaries coming in from Jerusalem (APnews) read here Avigdor Lieberman holds the key to this election. He and his party can determine the balance of power, by forming a coalition with the more liberal party (Kadima) or by forming a coalition with the conservative Likud party.

The general assumption is that a conservative coalition will be formed, primarily between the Likud Party and the Yisrael Beitenu Party, with Benjamin Netanyahu as the next Prime Minister of Israel - but the process still has days, perhaps weeks before being determined. It will take this period of time for the coalition to be formed.

Meanwhile, we'll be keeping a close eye on this fascinating process. As previously stated - the most significant aspect of this election will be how Israel deals with the Iranian nuclear situation, and the various terrorist groups who surround Israel. The two conservative parties who now appear to have a coalition, have made it clear that they will take a much more aggressive approach towards both Iran and their puppet terrorist organizations, Hamas and Hezbollah. A future attack on Iran may create the perfect set-up for the epic battle described in Ezekiel 38-39.

Update: Joel Rosenberg's Election Coverage HERE