Israel votes in close election as Netanyahu fights to retain power
Israelis voted Tuesday in the country’s first national election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a close challenge from an alliance led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
Turnout reached 55.7% by 4 p.m., the highest recorded at that point in an Israeli election since 1973, according to the Central Elections Committee. About 7.3 million people were eligible to vote. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 10 p.m., although Netanyahu’s Likud party formally requested extended voting hours, The National reported.
The campaign has focused on responsibility for the October 7 security failures, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its wars with Iran. Netanyahu has emphasized his wartime leadership and relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Eisenkot has accused the prime minister of campaigning …