Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast his ballot in Jerusalem as record voter turnout fueled a tight race for power in the country's pivotal general election. The election, seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership, saw Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot face off in a closely contested battle for the prime minister's office.
Netanyahu, who has led Israel for over two decades, faces a challenge from Eisenkot, who leads the 'change bloc' aiming to oust him. Both candidates' parties are projected to fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority, signaling potential weeks of political deadlock. The election also saw high turnout from Israelis abroad, with many flying back to vote.
The election has been shaped by security concerns and debates over Netanyahu's governance. Opponents accuse him of stoking tensions with Iran and undermining democracy, while Netanyahu frames himself as a security leader. The outcome could determine Israel's future political direction and its stance on regional conflicts.
The election also highlights divisions between Jewish and Arab parties, with Arab voters potentially playing a decisive role. However, most Jewish parties have ruled out alliances with Arab parties, complicating the political landscape. The Central Election Committee dismissed claims of fraud, but tensions remain high as the outcome remains uncertain.