Deeply divided Israelis went to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new parliament, in the country’s first national election since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. The vote is widely seen as a verdict on longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s increasingly right-wing political direction.

Israelis have endured multiple wars since the Hamas attack, making questions of security, political accountability and the government’s handling of the conflicts central issues in the election campaign.

The latest published opinion polls suggest a close contest between Netanyahu and his main rival, centrist politician Gadi Eisenkot, with the two enjoying broadly similar levels of support.

Eisenkot, a political newcomer and former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is widely viewed as having a calm demeanour that contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s political style.

More than 500,000 young voters are expected to cast their ballots for the first time among approximately 7.3 million eligible voters. Polls indicate that a substantial proportion of these first-time voters identify as centre-right.

The election is considered pivotal in determining the future direction of Israeli politics. Thousands of Israelis have reportedly returned from abroad to participate in the vote.

Speaking to AFP in Jerusalem on Monday, 58-year-old property businessman Uriel Brandler described the election as a defining moment for the country.

“I think this is one of the most important days in the history of the State of Israel. Positive change is needed in every respect,” he said.

Voters were seen casting ballots at several polling stations on Tuesday. Most polling stations are scheduled to close at 10 p.m. local time, although the final results could take several days to emerge.

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has 120 seats, and a party or coalition needs at least 61 seats to secure a parliamentary majority. However, opinion polls have shown no single party approaching that threshold.

As a result, forming a coalition government could take several weeks or even months if negotiations become necessary. If coalition talks fail, Israel could face another election.