Tel Aviv, 27 October (H.S.): Israeli President Isaac Herzog cast his vote on Tuesday in the elections to the country’s 120-member Knesset, or parliament, at a polling station in Jerusalem, urging citizens to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right.

Sharing a photograph of himself and his wife after voting, Herzog wrote, “We have cast our votes. Have you? Get out and vote.”

According to The Times of Israel, Herzog will play a crucial constitutional role in the formation of the next government. After the votes are counted on Tuesday night, he will consult the leaders of the elected parties before assigning the task of forming a government to the Knesset member he believes has the best chance of securing a governing coalition. The nominee will have 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension.

Polling is proceeding smoothly across the country, with political leaders urging their supporters to turn out in large numbers. The election will determine the composition of the next government and whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can retain power.

Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, voted in Rosh HaAyin alongside his wife and grandchild. “Today, we are saving Israel,” he said, adding, “We have fought in the streets for four years.”

Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party and National Security Minister, voted with his wife in Kiryat Arba. He warned that a victory for the opposition bloc would lead to a government involving Mansour Abbas. “Netanyahu will be prime minister, and we will represent the right-wing ideology in that government,” he said.

Ofer Winter, chairman of the People of Israel party, cast his vote in Mitzpe Netofa and urged citizens to vote according to their conscience for the sake of Israel’s people, its enduring existence and national unity. Expressing confidence in the outcome, he said, “We will achieve a great victory.” Winter has pledged to support a government led by Netanyahu.

Youssef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, described the election as a decisive day. He said the Arab electorate was confident in its ability to bring about change and remove what he described as a fascist government from power. Jabareen has pledged to support any government capable of ending Netanyahu’s coalition’s hold on power.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar