Main candidates in Israel’s election
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LIKUD PARTY (right-wing)

Benjamin Netanyahu Seeking fourth term as prime minister. Stresses hardline security stance in order
to gain votes of far-right

Breakdown of peace talks with Palestinians in April 2014 has put him at loggerheads with many of Israel’s traditional allies

Tzipi Livni Head of Hatnuah Party. Fired as justice minister by Netanyahu in December after cabinet infighting over government policies

Livni has partnered with Herzog, with both agreeing to two-year rotation as prime minister should ZU form next government

ZIONIST UNION (centre-left)

Isaac Herzog Lawyer and leader of Labour Party since 2013. Son of former president Chaim Herzog, and grandson of Israel’s first chief rabbi

Herzog has held series of cabinet posts in various coalitions and has called for efforts to revive peace talks with Palestinians

YESH ATID (centre)

Yair Lapid Former heart-throb TV news anchor. Came to prominence in 2013 polls when Yesh Atid became second-largest party in Knesset

Sacked as finance minister amid government squabbling in December. Focuses on social issues

JEWISH HOME (far-right)

Naftali Bennett Advocates annexation of more than half of occupied West Bank and calls Palestinian state
“suicide” for Israel

JOINT ARAB LIST

Ayman Odeh Haifa-based lawyer heads coalition of four Arab parties united under one banner for first time

KULANU (centre)

Moshe Kahlon Broke ranks with Likud after social protests in 2011 to form new centrist party. He could
be kingmaker in coalition-building

YISRAEL BEITEINU (ultranationalist)

A. Lieberman Foreign minister may see influence recede as support base – immigrants from former Soviet Union – integrate more into society
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Sources: Wire agencies

Pictures: Getty Images

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