Israelis vote in tight race to replace Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Israel. Voters cast their ballots on Tuesday in a national election that determines the future leadership of the country. The vote comes as Israel remains involved in ongoing conflicts and faces deep internal divisions over its political direction.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces opposition from multiple parties aiming to remove him from power. Opinion polls indicate a close contest between Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief. No single party has won a majority in the fragmented parliament, requiring leaders to form coalitions.

Arab-led parties are working to increase voter turnout and could decide the outcome if they support one candidate over the other. A lack of a clear majority for either side could lead to weeks of negotiations before a leader is named.

Tensions with Iran influenced the campaign. Netanyahu warned Tehran in a video released this week that it would face a devastating blow if it attacked Israel. He stood beside a missile-defense battery during the recording.

This is the first national vote since the October 7, 2023, attack that started the war in Gaza. In Tel Aviv, families of victims and former hostages held a moment of silence before polls opened. Yona Adam, whose daughter Mapal Adam was killed, told the crowd to remember all those whose voices are no more.

The election serves as a referendum on the character of the state. Some Israelis prefer a government influenced by religious and nationalist forces, while others support a more secular and liberal direction. Netanyahu's supporters view him as a steady leader who has protected Jewish identity and checked the judiciary. His critics argue he is polarizing and has weakened democratic institutions while dragging out the war in Gaza.

Eisenkot is seen by his backers as a security-focused leader who can counter illiberal trends. His son and two nephews were killed in Gaza. Parties likely to support Eisenkot have promised to improve Israel's international standing, conscript ultra-Orthodox men, and protect the independence of the judiciary.

Emotions were high at polling stations. In Kiryat Shmona, a Netanyahu stronghold near the Lebanese border, one man tore down a poster of Eisenkot. The result will determine who leads the country as it navigates diplomatic isolation and domestic unrest.