Israel starts parliamentary polls

by Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza

The parliamentary elections in Israel started at 7 am on January 22. 32 parties, including 12 already in parliament, will run for 120 seats in the parliament.
26.7% of the population had already voted, according to reports at 12.30 pm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres were some of the voters.
10,132 polling stations opened in Israel. About 20,000 police officers and volunteers will enforce order. Over $70 million has been spent ton organizing the voting. The country will lose about $750 million because of the day off.
The Likud Beiteinu party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is expected to win.
It is uncertain whether Kadima (28 seats) would get at least 2 minimum mandates. The number of seats of the Esh Atid party of Yair Lapid and the Tnua party of Tsipi Livni will get is uncertain. They may get 9-10, according to social polls.
The number of seats of the Avoda party of Sheli Yakhimovich may get is uncertain. He may unite with the Merets party of Lapid and Livni.
The number of voters has been dropping since 1999. Only 64% voted in 2009. Only 53.4% of Israeli Arabs voted, although they still got 10 seats. Sociologists say that the population is losing faith in politicians and the continued Palestinization of Israeli Arabs. The Arab League urged Arabs to vote.
Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert held negotiations in Annapolis in 2008 and was ready to withdraw behind the line of 1967 and return 98.5% of land taken from Palestine, the remaining 1.5% compensated by giving Palestine control over parts of territories of Israel. Leader of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas refused.
Netanyahu will use time in February to form a new coalition. He will meet US President Barack Obama in early March. He will most likely be recommended to hold negotiations with Palestine with the support of Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.