Voters in Israel are deciding whether to oust Netanyahu after 3 years of war

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Israelis Vote in High-Stakes Election Amid War

   Voters in Israel are heading to the polls in a high-stakes election that serves as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political survival following three years of war. Tens of thousands of citizens have flown back to the country to cast their ballots in a tense political climate where each side warns the outcome could bring ruin. While official polls show a tight deadlock, early voter turnout has reached a multi-decade, fifty-three-year high midway through election day. Candidates have clashed across the political spectrum while maintaining unified stances on national security.

   Why it matters

   This election represents a crucial test for Netanyahu, who is battling to maintain power after three years of sustained military conflict. The vote draws intense international observation due to its potential global consequences and its immediate impact on regional stability. Figures such as Eisenkot have opened election day in locations like Nir Oz alongside former hostages, sharply criticizing the current government for evading responsibility.

   What is confirmed

   • Voters in Israel are deciding whether to oust Netanyahu after three years of war.
   • Midway through voting, Israeli turnout hit a 53-year high.
   • Tens of thousands of citizens flew back to Israel to vote.
   • Eisenkot opened election day in Nir Oz with a former hostage and slammed the government for evading responsibility.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Betting markets strongly favor Eisenkot to replace Netanyahu despite polls showing a deadlock.
   • The election functions strictly as a referendum on Netanyahu's political survival.

   What to watch next

   • Final official voter turnout figures and verified election results as polls close.
   • Any official statements or concession speeches from Netanyahu and his main opponents.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Reuters — Explainer: Israel election: What happens after polls close?
   2. Reuters — Netanyahu's political survival on the line as Israel votes
   3. CNBC — Israeli election draws tens of thousands of citizens flying back to vote
   4. WSJ — Netanyahu and His Main Opponent Disagree on Many Things—but Not Israel’s Security
   5. AP News — Voters in Israel will decide whether to oust Netanyahu after 3 years of war
   6. The New York Times — Two Candidates, Two Israels, One Nation in the Balance
   7. BBC — Israelis and Americans are both voting - with global consequences
   8. The Times of Israel — Eisenkot opens election day in Nir Oz with former hostage, slams government for evading responsibility
   9. NPR — Polls open in Israel as Netanyahu seeks reelection
   10. The Forward — Polls show a deadlock, but betting markets strongly favor Eisenkot to replace Netanyahu
   11. Axios — Israel braces for an election each side warns could bring ruin
   12. NPR — A quick guide to Israel's high-stakes elections
   confidence 95%