Key Takeaways
- Voters cast ballots in the fastest turnout in nearly half a century.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu faces a close race against Gadi Eisenkot.
- The election is seen as the most consequential in Israel’s history.
Israelis have surged to the polls in the fastest turnout in nearly half a century, voting to judge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in what many see as the most consequential election in the nation’s history.
Polling stations opened at 7 am (0500 GMT) on Tuesday, with long lines forming outside as voters cast their ballots. The Central Elections Committee reported that 31.5% of eligible voters had cast their ballots within the first five hours, marking the fastest turnout since the legendary 1977 election that brought the right to power for the first time in Israeli history.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader with 19 years in office, is an unmatched political survivor, and his nationalist politics are increasingly entrenched. His main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, a military ex-chief of staff and security hawk, aims to unseat him with the support of parties on the right and centre, as well as the rump of an increasingly marginalised left.
Netanyahu has campaigned on an endorsement from US President Donald Trump, his ally in the war against Iran, who has said they should ‘finish the job’. If neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot can form a governing coalition in the 120-seat parliament, Netanyahu could stay on as caretaker until another election is held.
Netanyahu warned that Iran may try to disrupt the election, urging his supporters to vote, saying, ‘This is a fateful moment. You all need to stream to the polls.’
Voter Ruth Epstein, an 81-year-old longtime left-wing voter in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, who voted for the opposition Democrats, said, ‘I think these elections are the most important of all the ones I’ve known. I’m really scared about what will be here.’
The election turns on accountability for the security failures of October 7, with opposition groups promising to hold a national inquiry. Netanyahu’s government has defended its record, calling himself the only leader with the mettle to face down Israel’s foes.
Netanyahu’s fleeting visit to New York mirrors strained US ties, with his opponents managing to wrest him from the premiership only once since 2009, and that took four inconclusive elections in two years. He was back 18 months later.
Eisenkot sees a ‘new spirit’ in the election, aiming to unseat Netanyahu with the support of a diverse coalition of parties. The polls close at 10 pm (2000 GMT).
We need it to be high too. You all need to stream to the polls.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
I think these elections are the most important of all the ones I’ve known.
Ruth Epstein, Longtime left-wing voter
