Israel Votes Today as Netanyahu's Political Survival Hangs in the Balance

Israelis are voting on Tuesday in a parliamentary election that could decide the political future of Benjamin Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving prime minister. The vote is the first since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and it comes after years of war, deep domestic division and growing international isolation. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with exit polls expected as soon as voting ends.
Netanyahu, who has spent 19 years in office across several terms, is campaigning on his wartime leadership and his close alliance with United States President Donald Trump, who has endorsed him. He said on Sunday that Trump was prepared to act again to remove the Iranian threat, but only if Netanyahu remained in power. His main rival is Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff who leads an alliance drawing support from the right and the centre. Eisenkot has accused Netanyahu of relying on fear-mongering, and says Trump would work with any leader chosen by voters.
Final opinion polls put Netanyahu's bloc on about 50 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, 11 short of the 61 needed to govern, leaving neither side with a clear path to a majority. If no coalition can be formed, Netanyahu could stay on as caretaker until another election next year. The final tally is expected by October 30, with official results due on November 4.
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