Fastest turnout for half a century as Israelis pass judgment on Netanyahu

Israeli voters flocked to polling stations on Tuesday in the fastest turnout in nearly 48 years, casting ballots to decide the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in what they dubbed the most consequential election in their nation's history. Long lines formed outside polling stations as the first election since October 7, 2023, approached. Netanyahu's right-wing coalition's divisive policies and Israel's deepening international isolation were among the key issues on the voters' minds.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader with a 19-year tenure, defended his record, insisting he was the only leader capable of confronting Israel's adversaries. His nationalist politics are becoming increasingly entrenched amidst a fragmented political system that makes it difficult for opponents to oust his coalition of right-wing, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox parties.

The polls closed at 10 pm (2000 GMT), following an opening at 7 am (0500 GMT). By the first five hours, 31.5% of eligible voters had already cast their ballots, the fastest rate since the historic 1977 election, which brought the right to power for the first time. Ruth Epstein, an 81-year-old left-wing voter in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, said she thought the election was the most important she had ever participated in, expressing fear about the future.

Netanyahu campaigned on an endorsement from US President Donald Trump, who has backed Israel's war against Iran. If neither Netanyahu nor his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, can form a governing coalition in the 120-seat parliament, Netanyahu could remain in power as caretaker until another election is held. Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff and security hawk, aims to unseat Netanyahu with support from right and center parties, as well as a dwindling left faction.

With a close race between the two leaders, neither faces an easy path to power. Netanyahu warned Iran might try to disrupt the election, telling supporters to vote en masse. Arab turnout could prove pivotal, with Palestinian candidate Ahmed Tibi noting that Arab Israelis were voting in unprecedented numbers. Eisenkot, while ruling out partnering with Arab parties, acknowledged the importance of Arab voter participation in the outcome.