To win election, Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies harnessed perceived threats to Israel’s Jewish identity after ethnic unrest last year and the subsequent inclusion of Arab lawmakers in the government.
Benjamin Netanyahu seems poised to take power again. But regardless of his fate, the election already highlights several trends that could have a lasting effect on Israel.
If the right-wing bloc does eke out a narrow victory, it would allow Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, to return to office even as he stands trial on corruption charges.
The departing coalition was created out of necessity — it was the only path to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu — but it almost immediately came under vicious attack.