Israelis vote in first election since Oct. 7 attack, Netanyahu faces tight race

Israelis voted Tuesday in the first general election since the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, with 7.3 million citizens eligible to cast ballots in a contest that will determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office.

Polls show Netanyahu running neck and neck with his main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, with polls suggesting Eisenkot is in the lead. Voting opened at 7 a.m. local time (6 a.m. CET), with most polling stations set to close at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. CET).

Netanyahu has led what observers describe as the most right-wing government in Israeli history, forming an alliance with ultranationalist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir. He faces several court cases should he lose office. Eisenkot has emerged as the leading opposition figure.

Neither candidate supports the creation of an independent Palestinian state, meaning the election is not expected to revive the long-stalled peace process.

Central campaign issues include political accountability for the failures surrounding the Hamas attack, mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men, and Israel's standing in the international community.

Many Israelis hold the current government responsible for the country's growing international isolation and for the security failures that preceded the Hamas attack. Eisenkot's candidacy has drawn support from voters seeking a change in government.