Fastest turnout in 45 years as Israelis pass wartime judgment on Netanyahu
Summary
Israelis turned out to vote at the fastest pace in 45 years in an election seen as a wartime verdict on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vote comes after the October 7 Hamas-led attacks and amid deep divisions over the Gaza war, Israel’s security failures, and the country’s international isolation.
Key Points
- Israel recorded its fastest early voter turnout in 45 years as citizens cast ballots in a tightly contested election centered on wartime leadership.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking another term while facing criticism over the October 7 attacks, the Gaza war and Israel’s growing isolation.
- His main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, is campaigning on accountability and a break from Netanyahu’s coalition politics.
- Arab voter turnout could prove decisive in a race that polls suggest is too close to call.
