Israel votes in first election since October 7 as Netanyahu faces Eisenkot
Briefing by News4U · First published
Israelis cast ballots Tuesday in a close contest between Netanyahu and centrist rival Gadi Eisenkot, with 7.3 million eligible voters deciding the country's direction after three years of regional wars.
Israel held its first national election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with voters choosing between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and centrist challenger Gadi Eisenkot in a contest that could reshape the country's identity. [1] [2]
Netanyahu, 77, campaigned on his security record and ties to US President Donald Trump, while Eisenkot, 66, pledged an independent inquiry into the October 7 failures and vowed to curb violent settlers. [2]
About 7.3 million Israelis were eligible to vote, including more than half a million first-time voters, with final results expected to take days and coalition talks potentially lasting weeks. [2]
Sources
- Two Candidates, Two Israels, One Nation in the Balance
NY Times · · Summary only
- Israel votes in first election since October 7 attack as Netanyahu faces crucial test
France 24 English · · Full text