A ballot box in Israel.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published reactions from Israeli voters to Tuesday’s elections following the release of exit polls late in the day showing a tie between the two main parties. Voters gave the WSJ explanations behind their votes, which included survival of the Jewish State, improved relations with the Palestinians, and Israel’s economic problems. Here is a sampling from the WSJ report:

“Rachel Ginsberg and her husband, Boaz, said they voted for Mr. Netanyahu to ensure Israel’s survival as a Jewish state. ‘We have nothing. All we have is the land of Israel,’ said 50-year-old Mrs. Ginsberg, who moved to Israel 30 years ago from the U.S. ‘So I chose to vote for security rather than someone making false promises about finances.'”

“In Jerusalem’s Rehavia neighborhood, Shulamit Friedman, an English teacher, said Mr. Netanyahu and Likud had not adequately addressed Israel’s economic problems, particularly lack of affordable housing for Israelis. Fueled partly by foreign buying, housing prices have increased about 80% since 2007, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. ‘We definitely have to address the housing situation,’ Mrs. Friedman said. ‘It is a terrible situation for young people, it is untenable.'”

“In the end, voters such as Lital Pachter cast her ballot for Mr. Herzog’s party. ‘I hope he puts and emphasis on social issues and does things that Bibi didn’t do in recent years, like talk to the Palestinians,’ said Ms. Pachter, a 41-year-old accountant.”