Key facts
- Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to form a "broad national" government.
- Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, leads the centrist Yashar party.
- Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid formed the Together party.
- Avigdor Lieberman, a hawkish former defense minister, leads Israel Our Home.
- Yair Golan leads the Democrats party.
- Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir advocate for far-right policies toward Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a narrowing race in Israel's parliamentary election, held on Tuesday, following the October 7 Hamas attack and subsequent regional conflict. Netanyahu, who has been in power for much of the time since 2009, is a polarizing figure facing corruption charges and criticism over security following the attack. His rivals include former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett allied with former premier Yair Lapid, and hawkish former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Far-right figures Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who advocate for policies toward Palestinians including settlement expansion and potential expulsion, are also key players. Netanyahu has historically relied on ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas for support, though their demands have angered many Israelis.