A portrait of the State of Israel at the end of September 2017, on the eve of the Jewish New Year (5778), would feature three key figures who dominated and shaped the country's political system. It is likely that they will continue to shape Israeli politics in the coming year as well.

The first figure is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has managed to maintain political power despite the criminal investigations that he faces. He sets the agenda and will ultimately determine when the next election will be held.

The second is Avi Gabbay, the chairman of the Labor Party and this year's big surprise in politics. In under a year, he managed to seize control of the party by defeating powerful forces deeply entrenched within Israeli politics. He has also caused the Labor Party to shoot up in the polls, from 12 to 20 seats.

The third is Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, the No. 2 figure in the HaBayit HaYehudi coalition and the most powerful and influential woman on the right. Although she is only 40 years old, she has already managed to challenge and transform the Supreme Court, the most powerful institution in Israel.