Israel Heads to Polls as Netanyahu Faces Crucial Election Test

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical legislative election amid voter anger over security failures, inconclusive wars, and rising living costs.

Opinion polls indicate a tight contest where neither Netanyahu's Likud bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot's opposition alliance is assured of securing the 61 Knesset seats needed to govern.

Thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv demanding accountability for the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack as Netanyahu seeks a seventh term facing ongoing legal challenges.