On Nov. 6 of last year, even after the polls closed around the nation, Americans were still uncertain whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney had won the US presidential election.

Next week, when Israelis go the polls to exercise their own democracy, there is likely to be no such uncertainty or suspense.

It’s all but a given that current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu coalition will win with more than enough votes to govern.

The center-left, represented by Shelly Yachimovich of Labor, Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid and Tzipi Livni of Hatnua (formerly of Kadima), will likely have a somewhat increased representation in the Knesset but not nearly enough to force Netanyahu’s hand on most critical issues, including the prospects of peace with the Palestinians.