Israel votes in parliamentary election as Netanyahu faces ex-army chief Eisenkot's bloc

Voting is under way in Israel today, October 27, in the parliamentary election. The Middle East is in a war-like situation, with fighting continuing in Gaza and military tension persisting with Iran. Voters have turned out in this atmosphere. The election is being seen as a major test of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political survival.

Hamas carried out its attack on October 7, 2023. This is the first general election in the country since then, which adds to its importance. After nearly three years of war, the world is watching whether Israelis will again place their trust in Netanyahu's leadership or vote for a change of power.

Netanyahu's Likud party faces a strong challenge this time from an opposition bloc led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister. But questions have been raised about his leadership over the failure to prevent the Hamas attack, the prolonged war in Gaza and the confrontation with Iran. Eisenkot, on the other hand, has promised changes to the country's security arrangements, a review of military policies and an effort to improve Israel's image in the world.

Voters face several key issues. The war in Gaza, security arrangements after the Hamas attack, the conflict with Iran, military action in Lebanon and conditions in the Palestinian territories are having a major bearing on the election. Besides these, the exemption from military service for some religious communities, the independence of the judiciary and the state of democratic institutions have also been talking points in the campaign. More than seven lakh citizens are eligible to vote, and early turnout has been good.

The Knesset, Israel's parliament, has 120 seats. A majority of at least 61 seats is needed to form a government. The country elects its parliament through proportional representation, so a clear majority for any one party is considered difficult. Smaller parties could therefore play a decisive role.

Initial projections will emerge once voting ends, but it may take a few days for the final results and the shape of the next government to become clear. Official results are expected to be announced on November 4. This election will decide whether Netanyahu returns to power or Israel gets a change of leadership.