The Elections in Israel 2015 - In-depth Political Analysis

In this review of The Elections in Israel 2015, readers get a focused, scholarly look at the twentieth Knesset elections held in March 2015 and why those results mattered. This volume is best for students, researchers and politically engaged readers who want a post-election dissection rather than a simple narrative. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its concentrated analysis of campaign tactics, identity politics and media effects that explain how Benjamin Netanyahu turned expectations on their head in a dramatic victory.

Key Features

• Focused case study: The book offers a deep examination of the March 2015 twentieth Knesset elections, placing events in context for readers studying recent Israeli politics.
• Campaign strategy analysis: Chapters dissect how personalized negative campaigning and intensified identity politics were used to alter voter perception and turnout.
• Multiple perspectives: Contributors analyze the contests from voter behavior, media coverage, opinion polls and party strategy viewpoints to provide a rounded understanding.
• Attention to rhetoric: The volume explores fear-mongering tactics directed at the Left and Arab voters and how such messaging shaped electoral competition.
• Timely political context: The book situates the election after the collapse of the third Netanyahu government, which helps explain campaign incentives and strategic choices.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at political scientists, graduate students and policy analysts who need a detailed case study of a contemporary Israeli election with attention to campaign mechanics and voter response. It will also serve journalists and commentators who want evidence-based descriptions of how identity politics and media interplay in a competitive parliamentary race.

Readers seeking a general history of Israel, a biography of political leaders, or a light popular read on politics should look elsewhere; this volume is analytical and assumes some familiarity with Israeli political institutions and recent events.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides rigorous, multi-angle analysis of the 2015 Knesset elections useful for academic study.
• Explains how negative personalization and identity tactics affected voter behavior and media narratives.
• Combines contributions that address parties, polls and the electorate for a comprehensive picture.

Cons

• Not a beginner's primer; the book assumes readers have prior familiarity with Israeli politics and recent history.
• As a collected volume, chapter depth and style vary by contributor, which may feel uneven to some readers.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Elections in Israel 2015 is a valuable analytical resource for anyone studying contemporary Israeli elections and campaign strategy. Its strength is the careful, evidence-based discussion of how personalized negative campaigning and identity politics produced an unexpected electoral outcome, making it a worthwhile purchase for academics and informed readers seeking depth and context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover the reasons for Netanyahu's victory?
Yes. Contributors analyze how campaign tactics, identity politics and media strategies contributed to his unexpected win in March 2015.

Is this volume suitable for a general audience?
It is best for readers with some background in Israeli politics; those seeking a general overview should consider more introductory titles.

Who edited and authored the book?
The volume lists Michal Shamir and Gideon Rahat among its primary contributors and editors.