Israeli Elections

Israel went to the booths today, with the polls showing a the two main parties neck and neck. It will be be a while before it's clear who will be running the country for the next while, but Kadima seems to have a slight edge in the returns so far.
Israeli Election Appears Tight

Overall, it looks like a right-wing government is most likely. The main point of interest in the recent campaign has been the rise of the far-right party Yisrael Beitenu, who are calling for a loyalty oath for Israeli Arabs among other things.


On the other side of the border, Amnesty International has released a report claiming that Hamas targeted political dissidents and those it suspected of spying for Israel during the recent conflict. Amnesty allege Hamas violence during Gaza campaign. The report in full (as far as I can see) is here.

Here's the party standings:

Kadima - 28 seats
Likud - 27
Yisrael Beteinu - 15
Labour - 13
Shas - 11
United Torah Judaism - 5
Jewish Home - 3
Meretz - 3
Arab parties - 11

Kadima, Labour, Shas, UTJ and Meretz could form a government.

Likud, Yisrael Beteinus, Shas, UTJ and Jewish Home could also.