Israel Votes Tuesday: First Election Since October 7 Attacks Could End Netanyahu's Almost Two Decades of Rule

Israeli voters are preparing to head to the polls in an election some have described as the most consequential in the country's history. Security and democracy have emerged as the central issues in the election.

It is Israel's first general election since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023. The vote takes place on Tuesday.

Tuesday's vote could see Benjamin Netanyahu's almost two-decade-long period of right-wing rule replaced by a more left-leaning government, the report said.

Emerging as Netanyahu's main challenger is Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff. He says the election is about Israel's identity as a liberal and tolerant democracy.

Netanyahu, by contrast, has made security central to his campaign. He has warned that electing his rivals would risk making Israel less safe.

Middle East correspondent Lucy Williamson reported that security and democracy emerged as central issues in the highly anticipated general election.