The electoral threshold may swing Israeli vote outcome

Significance

For the first time since 2009, Netanyahu is facing a formidable challenge from a new centrist party, Blue and White, established by Benny Gantz, a former military chief of staff, and former finance minister Yair Lapid. The election can be broadly characterised as a battle between two main blocs -- the religious right and the centre-left.

Impacts

• Blue and White will need to articulate specific policies to maintain its positive momentum.
• A merger of far-right groupings may shift voters towards the New Right party.
• The corruption allegations against Netanyahu could prove disruptive to voting intentions.