On Tuesday, Israelis voted in national elections for the fifth time since 2019. They were hoping to end the political deadlock that has afflicted the country for three and a quarter years.

While the cost of living has risen, Israeli-Palestinian tensions have boiled over, and Iran remains an important threat, the main issue in the election once again is Benjamin Netanyahu, former leader, and his fitness for service amid corruption charges. He is primarily battling the centrist caretaker, Prime Minister Yair Lepid, who helped him to be ousted last year.

“These elections (a choice) are between the past and the future. After voting in the Tel Aviv suburb where he resides, Lapid stated that he had voted for his country’s future and for his children’s future.

According to polls, the result was similar: stagnation. However, a new and powerful player is poised to change the game. Itamar Bengvir, a prominent far-right politician, has seen a surge in opinion polls and will seek to take a tougher line against the Palestinians, if he can help propel Netanyahu to victory.

Ben-Gvir, after he had cast his vote in West Bank settlement, where he resides, promised that a vote for the party would bring about “fully right-wing governments” with Netanyahu as prime Minister.

Netanyahu is currently on trial and his former allies, as well as proteges, have refused to sit with him during his trial. As a result, he has not been able to form a viable majority government in Knesset (or parliament) of 120 seats.

After casting his vote, Netanyahu stated that he was a little concerned. “I hope that we can end the day with smiles.”

The opposition to Netanyahu, an ideologically diverse group of parties, is equally struggling to cobble together the 61 seats necessary for him to be in power.

This impasse has left Israel in a political crisis unprecedented in its history that has damaged Israelis’ faith and confidence in their democracy, its institutions, and their political leaders.

Yohanan Plesner (a former legislator and now head of the Israel Democracy Institute in Jerusalem) said, “People are tired o the fact that government is not delivering on the goods.”

Officials from the election said Tuesday’s noon turnout was at 28.4%. This is almost 3% more than it was during last year’s vote.

Netanyahu, 73, was enamored by the cult-like devotion of his followers and has refused to resign from his opponents who claim that a person on trial for fraud or accepting bribes cannot be governed. While Netanyahu claims he did not commit wrongdoings, embarrassing details from his ongoing trial continue to make headlines.

Because Israel has a fragmented political system, no one party has ever been able to win a majority in the parliamentary elections. Therefore, coalition building is essential for Israel’s government. The alliance with religious ultra-Orthodox and extremist ultranationalist parties is Netanyahu’s best chance of achieving the premiership.

These parties will demand key portfolios from a Netanyahu government and others have pledged to implement reforms that could end Netanyahu’s legal woes.

Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party that supports deportation of Arab legislators, is led by Ben-Gvir, who was assassinated in 90 and is a disciple a racist rabbi. He has pledged to support legislation to alter the law code, weaken the judiciary, and help Netanyahu avoid a conviction. Ben-Gvir promised a tougher response to Palestinian attackers and announced this week that he would be seeking the Cabinet post of overseeing the police force.

Critics are raising alarm about what they consider a threat to Israel’s democracy.

Sima Kadmon, columnist in the Yediot Ahronot daily wrote that if Netanyahu wins, these will be the last days of Israel’s state as it has been for 75 years.

Netanyahu’s Likud party tried to calm down fears, stating that any changes to the law code won’t apply in Netanyahu’s case and the extremist elements within his potential coalition will be restrained.

Netanyahu, the opposition leader, describes himself as the consummate statesman, and the only leader capable to guide the country through all its challenges. According to polls, the race is too close for anyone to predict.

After 12 years of being in power, Netanyahu was defeated by the diverse coalition formed by Lapid, Netanyahu’s main opponent.

The coalition was made up of nationalists against Palestinian statehood, dovish party that seek peace agreements, and, for the first time ever in the country’s past, a small Arab Islamist Party. They unified over their dislike for Netanyahu, but it collapsed this spring due to infighting.

Former author and broadcaster, Lapid became Premier as part of a power-sharing arrangement. He has presented himself as an honest, scandal-free, and fair-minded change from the polarizing Netanyahu.

As caretaker leader for a short time, Lapid received President Joe Biden and led a short military operation against Gaza militants. He also signed a diplomatic accord with Lebanon, which established a maritime boundary between the two countries.

Lapid’s chances of regaining leadership are still bleak. Lapid is counting on the support of voters from Israel’s Palestinian minorities, which make up one-fifth of the country’s population. They are expected to turn out at historic lows. However, if they suddenly do turn out, it could reduce the number of Netanyahu supporters.

Jiwad AbuSharekh, 66-year-old Palestinian Israeli citizen from Lod, said, “We must vote.” “If you don’t vote, the right will win. We are determined to end the right-wing extremists.”

The parties have almost three months to form government after the votes have been tallied. Israel will hold another election if they fail to form a government.

Avi Shlush, a voter from Tel Aviv, said that “I hope it will be final.” But it won’t be final. “We are headed to another election.”