05.10.2026 • 6 Min.

This is the English version of a German episode. In October 2026, Israelis will elect a new Knesset. Israel's political system is considered one of the fairest democratic systems in the world — and yet almost no government there ever serves out a full term. This episode is about why an extremely fair voting system is exactly what causes coalitions in Israel to collapse so often, making snap elections practically the norm. I'll explain how proportional representation works in Israel, what role the electoral threshold plays, and why even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly had to fight for his parliamentary majority. Plus: why voter turnout in Israel stays high despite the constant elections and three facts about the Knesset that will surprise you. Want to support the work behind “Israel, Explained”? Become a monthly supporter, with an optional name credit and ad-free episodes:⁠ https://patreon.com/Israelkurzerklart⁠ Or make a one-time contribution of any amount:⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/israelkurzerklaert⁠ Thank you! Questions, feedback, or topic suggestions: podcast@elisabeth-krafft.de Editorial & Production: Elisabeth Krafft Originally published in German as: Warum gibt es in Israel so viele Neuwahlen, obwohl das System stabil ist? This podcast was translated and produced with the help of AI.