JERUSALEM, Oct 27: Israelis began voting on Tuesday in a closely contested election that could determine the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose long standing leadership is facing a significant challenge amid public debate over national security and governance.
Thousands of volunteer election observers were stationed at polling booths across the country to monitor voting procedures and help ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Eyal Sher, a volunteer with the civil society organisation Elections Guards, said he joined the initiative because of the importance of the election and concerns about the conduct of the government.
He alleged that the administration was willing to do whatever was necessary to remain in power, adding that volunteers wanted to ensure that every vote was counted and electoral rules were followed properly.
Netanyahu, 77, has been one of Israel’s most influential political figures for nearly two decades. A strong electoral performance could reinforce his reputation as a resilient political leader, while a poor result could bring his lengthy career to an end and reshape the country’s political landscape.
Known for his ability to assemble governing coalitions with religious and nationalist parties, Netanyahu is now confronting a closely fought contest, with opinion polls indicating a narrow race between his political bloc and the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
Eisenkot’s camp has argued that Netanyahu must be held accountable for the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks and for the government’s inability to convert military gains into lasting diplomatic achievements.
The attacks, which marked the deadliest day in Israel’s history, have remained a central issue throughout the election campaign. Questions over the government’s preparedness and responsibility for the security breakdown have become major points of contention between the rival camps.
Despite the prominence of the October 7 attacks, Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has received comparatively little attention in the domestic election debate. The war has drawn widespread international criticism and led to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
Israel’s military operations and occupation of areas in southern Lebanon and parts of Syria, along with its two wars against Iran, have also shaped the country’s security environment. These military actions have enjoyed broad support among sections of the Israeli public.
The campaign has instead concentrated heavily on Netanyahu’s responsibility for the October 7 security failure, proposed exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and the government’s controversial judicial overhaul.
The military service issue has become particularly contentious, with critics arguing that exemptions for ultra-Orthodox communities place an unfair burden on other Israelis who are required to serve.
The proposed judicial changes have also divided the country. Opponents have described the overhaul as a threat to democratic institutions and judicial independence, while its supporters have argued that the reforms are necessary to rebalance the powers of the judiciary and elected government.
The election is therefore being viewed as a critical test of public confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership and the direction of Israeli politics.
As voting continues, the performance of the two rival blocs will determine whether Netanyahu can maintain his hold on power or whether the opposition can secure the political support needed to usher in a new government.
The outcome could have significant implications for Israel’s domestic institutions, military policy and diplomatic relations at a time of continuing regional tensions.