D-Day for Netanyahu as Israel goes to the polls
The Israeli Prime Minister narrowly trails his main rival, former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, ahead of the country's first election since the October 7 massacre.
TL;DR
- Israel is holding a pivotal election today, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future at stake.
- The election is the country's first since the October 7 massacre and is largely seen as a referendum on the catastrophic security failures.
- Netanyahu faces his main rival, former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is currently polling slightly ahead.
- Netanyahu has highlighted Israel's military actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, while also seeking to shift blame for the October 7 failures.
- Donald Trump has publicly supported Netanyahu, urging Israelis to vote for him to 'finish the job' in Iran.
- Former IDF chief Eisenkot has criticized Netanyahu's handling of the Iran threat and his war goals.
- An estimated 70,000 Israeli expats are returning to vote, with many expected to support Netanyahu's opponents.
- Voters express concerns about the country's leadership, ethical direction, and the influence of the far-right.
- Coalition negotiations will likely follow the election, as any new government will need the support of at least 61 out of 120 Knesset members.