2009 Israeli legislative election
Elections for the 18th Knesset were held in Israel on 10 February 2009. These elections became necessary due to the resignation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as leader of the Kadima party, and the failure of his successor, Tzipi Livni, to form a coalition government. Had Olmert remained in office or had Livni formed a coalition government, the elections would have been scheduled for 2010 instead.
A privacy divider to ensure ballot secrecy
The Likud Party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu. Although the Likud party placed second in the 2009 elections, the right-wing parties won a majority; thus, Netanyahu managed to form a coalition government after the elections, and thus became the new Prime Minister.
Ballot papers
Former Kadima Party chairwoman Tzipi Livni. Although Kadima won the most seats in the 2009 elections under her leadership, it became an opposition party.
The Knesset is the unicameral legislature of Israel.
Knesset
The Knesset in winter
Historic engraving on the Froumine House, King George St., Jerusalem
Knesset building (2007)