Israel's Five Most Dramatic Election Upsets and Political Twists
Israeli elections are often dramatic, with five key upsets highlighted in the country's political history. These include the 1977 "Mahapach!" (Upset!) that brought Menachem Begin to power, a 1981 speech that secured Begin another term, and the 1996 election where Benjamin Netanyahu won his first premiership after a poll reversal. In 2015, Netanyahu's controversial remarks about Arab voters boosted his victory, and in 2019, the Knesset dissolved itself, leading to a cycle of repeat elections.
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- Israeli elections are historically unpredictable, marked by dramatic upsets and last-minute surprises.
- The 1977 "Mahapach!" (Upset!) saw Menachem Begin and Likud end Mapai's dominance.
- A 1981 speech by Menachem Begin after a gaffe secured him re-election.
- Benjamin Netanyahu first became prime minister in 1996 after an overnight poll reversal.
- Netanyahu's 2015 victory was boosted by a controversial video about Arab voters.
- The 2019 dissolution of the Knesset triggered a cycle of five consecutive elections.
Israeli elections are rarely calm, often marked by intense emotions, last-minute surprises, and memorable television moments. As the results of the 26th Knesset elections settle, this report revisits five of the most significant and unforgettable political dramas in the country's history.
In 1977, the term "Mahapach!" (Upset!) coined by Chaim Yavin during an election broadcast, signaled a historic shift as Menachem Begin and the Likud party ended the long-standing dominance of the Mapai party, ushering in a new era of government change. Four years later, in 1981, comedian David Tuvez's derogatory remarks about Likud voters at a rally backfired spectacularly. Begin seized on the gaffe, delivering his "Achim Anachnu" (We are brothers) speech at a counter-rally, which resonated with voters and secured him another term.
The 1996 direct prime ministerial election saw a dramatic overnight reversal. Initial exit polls declared Shimon Peres the winner, but as the night progressed and actual votes were counted, Benjamin Netanyahu emerged victorious by a narrow margin, marking his first premiership. In 2015, just hours before polls closed, Netanyahu released a controversial video warning that Arab voters were "streaming in large numbers to the polls." This message galvanized his right-wing base, boosting last-minute turnout and leading to a decisive Likud victory.
The most recent drama occurred in 2019 when the 21st Knesset, barely a month after being elected, dissolved itself in the early hours of the morning. Netanyahu, unable to form a coalition due to Avigdor Lieberman's refusal to join, triggered repeat elections. This unprecedented move initiated a period of political instability, leading to five consecutive elections.
Recent election broadcasts have also provided unforgettable moments, including a public thank you from broadcaster Magi Taviwi, dramatic shifts in exit polls, and heated social media reactions, underscoring that in Israeli politics, the outcome is never certain until the final vote is counted.
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