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Polls open as Netanyahu fights to retain power

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Polls open as incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough challenge from opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot in Israel’s first parliamentary elections since the 7 October 2023 attacks. Netanyahu’s coalition, comprising right-wing, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox parties, is the first to complete a full four-year term since 1988.

Key points

  • Netanyahu’s coalition faces a challenge from opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot.: Netanyahu’s coalition faces a challenge from opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot.
  • The elections aim to form the country's 38th government.: The elections aim to form the country's 38th government.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Israelis began voting on Tuesday in the first parliamentary elections since the 7 October 2023 attacks, with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a tough challenge from opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot.

Polling stations opened at 7am local time (5am GMT) and are due to close at 10pm (8pm GMT).

A total of 36 electoral lists are contesting 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in a bid to form the country’s 38th government.

Netanyahu’s coalition of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties became the first Israeli government since 1988 to complete a full four-year term, after taking office in December 2022.

But polls suggest his bloc could fall short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, with projections putting it at around 50.

Original source: www.middleeasteye.net

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