Israelis began casting ballots Tuesday in a tight parliamentary election testing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership three years after the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, with no clear path to a majority for either his bloc or the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
Israelis began voting Tuesday morning in the country's first parliamentary election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, with polls open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. local time.
The Central Election Committee said 7.3 million people are eligible to vote, including about 330,000 first-time voters. Polling stations opened at 0500 GMT.
Opinion polls ahead of the vote showed a close race between Netanyahu's Likud and its right-wing allies and an opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot, the former military chief of staff. Neither side is projected to reach the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Reuters and other outlets confirm that voting is underway and that the race remains tight with no clear path to power for either bloc. The Central Election Committee figures on eligible voters match independent reporting.
The outcome will shape Israel's next government after three years of war in Gaza and with Iran, and after deep domestic divisions. If no coalition forms, Netanyahu could remain caretaker until another election. Exit polls are expected after polls close at 2000 GMT, with final results by early November.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Neutral
- Netanyahu: campaigning on security gains after the wars
- Eisenkot: positioning as outsider focused on accountability for October 7