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Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot vie for leadership in first election since October 7 attacks

Israel is holding its first election since the October 7 Hamas attack, with Netanyahu's long grip on power being tested by centrist rivals.

Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates from an election widely seen as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu’s almost two decades in power.

The Long Sip
What happened

Israelis are voting in their first national election since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's nearly two decades in power.

The detail

Polls showed a close result between the two blocs, and Israeli media reported Netanyahu pressured his military chief to provoke a confrontation with Iran before the vote.

What it means

If no clear winner emerges, Israel could face yet another round of elections, though President Herzog says he will push hard for a broad national unity government instead.

For you

Voter turnout hit 74 per cent by 8pm local time, higher than the same point in 2022, suggesting a more decisive result is possible but a deadlock and repeat elections remain a real risk.

Full story at SMH.com.au

What readers are saying

viliv
The voting numbers are interesting given the circumstances. The 74 per cent turnout by 8pm is a significant jump from the 66 per cent they saw at the same time in 2022. It really shows how much people feel is at stake this time around.
lozl
Keep in mind that even after the polls close at 7am our time, we might not have a result for a while. The president has a lot of discretion in choosing who tries to form a government first, and it does not always go to the party with the most seats.
RetiredRobbo
Using AI images of mushroom clouds is a desperate way to campaign.
GranDesley
A broad national unity government sounds like the only practical way to avoid a fourth or fifth election.
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