Massive Israel voter turnout and Netanyahu battles for political survival
Fighting for political survival: Benjamin Netanyahu(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
TL;DR
- Israel saw a 15% increase in voter turnout by 10 am local time, with 1.2 million Israelis casting their votes.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a close electoral battle against rival Gadi Eisenkot.
- The election is occurring against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, potential conflict with Iran and Hezbollah, and heightened tensions in the West Bank.
- Concerns about election fraud have been raised at some polling stations.
- Neither Netanyahu's Likud party nor Eisenkot's Yashar party are expected to win the 61-seat majority required to form a government independently, likely leading to weeks of coalition negotiations.
- Allegations have surfaced that Netanyahu was warned about a potential Hamas operation before the October 7 attacks, which he denies.
- The war in Gaza has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.
- Settler violence has reportedly increased under Netanyahu's leadership.