Israel heads to polls for pivotal election defined by security and democracy

What the report says

Israelis are voting in a national election that BBC World News describes as one of the country’s most significant in years, with the contest centered on security, democratic checks and the future direction of Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. Polling cited by the broadcaster puts Netanyahu in a close race with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, but neither of the main blocs is expected to reach the 61-seat threshold needed to govern alone.

According to BBC World News, the campaign has been dominated by the fallout from the 7 October Hamas-led attacks, in which nearly 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, as well as the wider war in Gaza. Opposition figures have attacked Netanyahu over the security failure and want an independent inquiry, while Netanyahu has portrayed himself as the candidate best able to protect Israel, including in relation to Iran and regional threats. He has denied recent media reports about last-minute military pressure over Iran.

The vote also comes amid disputes over judicial reform, corruption allegations that Netanyahu denies, and a long-running argument over military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men. BBC World News notes that coalition arithmetic is complicated by Israel’s proportional system, the presence of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, and the limited role likely to be played by Arab party blocs.

A key risk after polling closes is prolonged deadlock, which could force more coalition bargaining or even another election. Exit polls are due after voting ends, but the final result may take time, especially because many soldiers and reservists are voting separately.