Israeli Election: Netanyahu Faces Tight Race With Eisenkot

Israeli voters went to the polls on Tuesday in their highest turnout in nearly 40 years, deciding whether to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition in power or shift direction. Polls closed at 10 p.m. local time.

Early exit polls placed Netanyahu in a close race against Gadi Eisenkot, a center-right former military chief of staff. Election officials said a final tally was not expected until Wednesday. If neither side secures an outright majority, coalition negotiations among party leaders could stretch for days or weeks before the next prime minister is determined.

This is the first parliamentary election held since the October 2023 Hamas-led attack and the wars in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East that followed. Netanyahu has served as Israel's longest-serving prime minister, with close to two decades in office across several terms.

Voter Naama Aaronsohn described the stakes in blunt terms. "Important is an underestimation, because it's much more than important. It's crucial," she said. "I'm worried.. What's going to become of our country if there's not a major change?"

Netanyahu posted on social media throughout the day about the number of Arab citizens of Israel casting ballots. Two predominantly Arab parties are on the ballot, and he urged his right-wing supporters to turn out. "This government it's not good for us and .. not good for anyone," said Nur Abu Na, a 30-year-old Arab voter. Itamar Ariel, another voter, said he backs Netanyahu on security grounds and believes no one else can replace him.

President Trump publicly backed Netanyahu. The two leaders fought against Iran together in June 2025 and again in February, and plan to launch major attacks on Iran after the Israeli and U.S. midterm elections. Daniel Estrin reported from Tel Aviv, and Ruth Sherlock from Jerusalem.