Voter turnout in Israel is so far the highest in more than 40 years as voters head to the polls in a close election between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. BBC reports this.
Opinion polls show that the candidates are neck and neck, but according to the polls, neither of the two political blocs is expected to reach the 61 seats required for an outright majority. This could lead to protracted coalition negotiations or a new election.
The election campaign has mainly been shaped by security issues, the war in Gaza and criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The government’s controversial judicial reforms and the issue of military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews have also been central.
Polling stations close at 22:00 local time on Tuesday, after which exit polls will be presented. The final result may be delayed because many votes from soldiers and reservists will not begin to be counted until Wednesday.
