Netanyahu's Political Future At Stake As Israel Votes In High-Stakes Election

Israel is witnessing historically high voter turnout in its national election, with 44.9% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 2 pm local time, compared with 38.9% at the same hour in the 2022 election. The vote, taking place three years after the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war, is widely seen as a crucial test of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. Security, military service and demands for political change are among the key issues shaping the contest. As Netanyahu urges supporters to vote, Israelis face a defining choice between political change and continuity.