Israel votes: Will Netanyahu stay in power?

JERUSALEM — Israelis are voting today, Tuesday, October 27, in their first parliamentary election since Hamas's October 7, 2023 terrorist attack. Security, the Gaza war and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future dominate the election.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, faces a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party. Recent polls place Yashar ahead of Netanyahu's Likud, although neither political bloc is assured of a majority.

Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, requires at least 61 seats to form a majority government. Major election issues include accountability for security failures surrounding the Hamas attack, judicial reforms and military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The suffering of Palestinians in Gaza has received relatively little attention during the campaign. If neither bloc can form a majority, Israel could face political deadlock and potentially another election.

Polls close at 10 p.m. local time, followed by the first exit polls.