Key facts
- Incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu is in a tight race with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
- Neither bloc is projected to win the 61 seats needed for a majority government.
- The election campaign has been dominated by security concerns and perceived threats to democracy.
- Netanyahu has faced criticism over the security failure leading to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
- Conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men is a divisive issue.
- Exit polls are expected at 22:00 (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday.
Israelis are heading to the polls for a pivotal election, with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a close contest against former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Polling suggests neither leader's bloc is projected to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority government, potentially leading to prolonged coalition negotiations. The election campaign has been dominated by issues of security, particularly the fallout from the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, and concerns over the state of democracy under Netanyahu's leadership. The divisive issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men has also been a significant point of contention. Exit polls are expected to be released at 22:00 (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday.