Netanyahu scrambles for votes as Israelis turn out in record numbers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a desperate bid to secure votes as Israelis cast their ballots in record numbers for the country's first election since the October 7, 2023 attack. This election has seen a surge in turnout, with 66.7% of eligible voters already casting their ballots as of 6:00pm, the highest rate since statistics began in 1973.

Concerns have been raised that Arab leaders are attempting to "steal the election" and reverse the hardline Jewish nationalist direction taken by Netanyahu's government. Initial exit polls show the opposition bloc leading with a narrow 52-53 seat edge over Netanyahu's Likud Party, which would still control the largest single party in the 120-seat Knesset.

Netanyahu urged supporters to vote in person, warning against "barbecues" and "beaches", as his Likud Party unsuccessfully asked election authorities to extend voting hours. He accused the opposition of wanting to "bring an end to the Jewish state." The close election comes amid global isolation for Israel due to ongoing regional wars, the devastating military campaign in Gaza, and increased settlement construction in the occupied West Bank.

The last polls published showed Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, neck and neck, with Eisenkot promising to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state and support for Israeli settlements. Eisenkot, a political novice, has vowed to replace "the worst government since the state was established" and paid respects at his son's grave in Gaza.

Arab voters, now in the spotlight, have been unusually high in turnout, with Netanyahu raising fears of their influence.