Politicians cast their votes as Israel holds its first election since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023. Polls suggest prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition bloc with the ultra-Orthodox and far-right will lose their majority to Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, a former head of the Israeli military and relative political newcomer. Polls also show a clear anti-Netanyahu majority, with opposition seats divided between the bloc of Jewish Israeli parties, led by Eisenkot’s Yashar, and parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel
High turnout as Israel goes to the polls in most consequential election in its history – live updates
