ISRAEL HOLDS FIRST ELECTION SINCE 2023 HAMAS ATTACK

Israelis began voting on Tuesday in their first general election since the Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a close contest with Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, according to the last published opinion polls. An estimated 7.3 million people are eligible to vote after three years of regional wars. The election gives voters a chance to assess Netanyahu’s wartime leadership and the country’s direction.

Netanyahu’s campaign has emphasised his record on security and his relationship with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu has called Eisenkot “soft” on Iran, while Eisenkot has pledged to unite the country. The government has faced criticism over security failures surrounding the 2023 attack, and Netanyahu has declined to accept responsibility for them. Israel’s military campaigns have devastated Gaza, while Israeli forces have occupied southern Lebanon and struck Iran with US support. Israelis have also faced bombardment from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen.

Most polling stations are due to close at 10pm, and final results could take days. No party is expected to come close to the 61 seats needed for a majority in Israel’s 120-member parliament, making coalition talks necessary. Arab-led parties could influence the outcome if they agree to support a candidate. Tens of thousands of Israelis are estimated to have returned from abroad to vote, while hundreds of thousands of young Israelis can cast their first ballots.