Israel Votes in Tight Netanyahu-Eisenkot Race as Neither Bloc Nears 61 Seats
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 27
Israel Votes in Tight Netanyahu-Eisenkot Race as Neither Bloc Nears 61 Seats
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 27
Summary
70,000 Israelis have reportedly flown home and 500,000 first-time voters are set to cast ballots in an election polls show is nearly tied between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot.
61 seats are needed to govern, but neither bloc is projected to reach a majority, setting up weeks or months of coalition bargaining in Israel's fragmented parliamentary system.
Security dominates the race: opponents blame Netanyahu for the 7 October attacks that killed nearly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, while he campaigns as "Mr Security" and highlights ties to Donald Trump.
Democracy and conscription have also sharpened divisions, with Netanyahu under corruption trial, still pushing judicial changes and relying on ultra-Orthodox allies who oppose broader military draft enforcement.
Exit polls are due at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, but late-counted military ballots could still shift the balance and prolong the risk of another deadlock.