1) Israelis are most upset by the rising power of the ultra-orthodox (the Haredim). This accounts for Yesh Atid's strong performance. Plus party leader Yair Lapid's hair gel. Also a very important factor.
2) Yesh Atid is such a Jewish name. "There is a Future." Optimistic, but threaded with melancholy.
3) Netanyahu could have spent more time focused on social issues.
4) Kadima. What was that about, anyway?
5) I'm assuming, for now, a Likud-Yesh Atid-Jewish Home coalition, but anything is possible.
6) Every television commentator is asking what this means for the peace process. What does it mean for the peace process? Not much.
7) This election is a reminder that settlers only represent 4 percent of the Israeli population.
8) Biggest question on my mind: Will Obama and Yair Lapid have chemistry?
9) Okay, not the biggest question on my mind.
10) On the one hand, Lapid's victory is a victory for secular Israel. On the other hand, about 40 percent of members of the next Knesset will be Orthodox.
11) Hamas never fails: A spokesman says that Netanyahu's decision to visit the Western Wall after voting represents a "provocation."
12) This, from Adam Chandler: "Myth #1: Israelis are disaffected and checked out.
Counterpoint: The voter turnout in Israel is the highest since 1999 (when Netanyahu was thrown out of office). The most recent numbers released by the Elections Committee show that almost 64% of Israelis have voted. The total may eclipse 70% by the end of the day."