The Election That Could Define Israel’s Social Contract
Israeli politicians react following a vote to dissolve the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, before the end of its term, at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun The final days of a parliament…
Assessment
The dissolution of Israel's 25th Knesset sets the stage for an election centered on the meaning of citizenship in the post-October 7 era. Two legislative moves favoring ultra-Orthodox parties, passed just before the vote, crystallize the core debate. The outcome will test whether the social contract can accommodate both security demands and longstanding sectoral commitments.