Polls open as Netanyahu fights to retain power

Israelis began voting in the first parliamentary elections since the 7 October 2023 attacks, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough challenge from opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot. Polls suggest his coalition may fall well short of the 61 seats needed for a majority, with projections placing it at around 50.

Israelisbegan voting on Tuesday in the first parliamentary elections since the 7 October 2023 attacks, with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a tough challenge from opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot.

Polling stations opened at 7am local time (5am GMT) and are due to close at 10pm (8pm GMT).

A total of 36 electoral lists are contesting 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in a bid to form the country’s 38th government.

Netanyahu’s coalition of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties became the first Israeli government since 1988 to complete a full four-year term, after taking office in December 2022.

But polls suggest his bloc could fall short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, with projections putting it at around 50.

Polls open as Netanyahu fights to retain power

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