Israel Heads to the Polls as Netanyahu Battles to Stay in Power

Israelis headed to polling stations Tuesday to decide the political fate of Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister who faces one of the most consequential tests of his decadeslong political career.Netanyahu was joined by his wife Sara as he cast his ballot just after midday, local time, at a polling station in a Jerusalem school. “This is a very moving and fateful moment. My wife and I are truly overwhelmed,” Netanyahu told reporters after voting. “We know what is at stake, and since I am not allowed to say things explicitly, I will say: Vote correctly.”From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time (1 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT), Israelis can cast votes for representatives in the Knesset. Early numbers from the Central Elections ​Committee suggest turnout is strong, with 44.9% of eligible voters reported to have cast their ballots by 2 p.m., local time.This is the first election in the country since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas and the subsequent Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel under Netanyahu has pursued an aggressive military campaign across the Middle East—going to war with Iran, backing settler attacks and displa...