Israel votes in a tight election as Netanyahu faces Eisenkot

Israelis are voting today, October 27, in a general election for the 120-seat Knesset that the BBC says many view as one of the most pivotal in the country's history. Anadolu Agency notes it is the first general election since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the Gaza war that followed, and the first held on schedule since 1988.

Who is running

Thirty-seven parties and lists are competing, and about 7.3 million people are eligible to vote, including some 1.2 million Arab citizens of Israel. More than 12,000 polling stations are open from 7 am to 10 pm local time. Parties need at least 3.25% of valid votes to enter parliament.

Final surveys by Israel's three main broadcasters put former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's centrist Yashar party narrowly ahead with 22–23 seats, against 19–21 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud. The polls project about 50 seats for Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc and 52–56 for the opposition bloc. Arab-led parties are forecast to win 14–16 seats combined. A government needs 61 seats, and Anadolu and the BBC report that neither bloc may reach a majority on its own.

Key issues

The BBC reports that security has dominated the campaign. The opposition has attacked Netanyahu over the failure to prevent the October 7 attacks and is calling for an independent commission of inquiry. Netanyahu has presented himself as the guarantor of security and highlighted his close ties with US President Donald Trump. Military-service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men have been another major point of contention.

Israel's Channel 12 and CNN reported that Netanyahu pushed for new strikes on Iran before the election but was opposed by his military chief and did not get Trump's backing. Netanyahu denied both reports. On X, a post by Mongolia's NTV saying Netanyahu had suggested he could resume operations against Iran with Trump if he wins circulated widely among Mongolian users.

When results come

Israeli broadcasters will publish exit polls when polls close at 10 pm Israel time (4 am October 28 in Ulaanbaatar). Counting votes from soldiers and special polling stations may take several days, and official results are due by November 4. President Isaac Herzog will then consult the elected parties and give the task of forming a government to the lawmaker most likely to command a majority. The BBC reports that around 70,000 Israelis flew home from abroad to vote, and half a million people are voting for the first time.

Sources: BBC, Anadolu Agency.