By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Israelis voted Tuesday in the country’s first national election since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the war in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces former Israel Defense Forces Gen. Gadi Eisenkot as his main challenger. Neither candidate is expected to win an outright majority in the 120-seat Knesset, according to Fox News Radio’s report from Tel Aviv.
Israeli voters must cast ballots in person, as the country does not permit absentee voting.
Initial results are expected Wednesday. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will consult party leaders after the results and designate a candidate to attempt to form a coalition government within about a week, according to the report.
The war in Gaza and the broader conflict with Iran have been central issues in the campaign, Fox News Radio reported.
Whichever leader is tasked with forming a government will need to build a coalition among multiple parties to reach a majority in the Knesset. The outcome is expected to shape Israel’s approach to the war in Gaza and its relationship with the United States.
No additional results or coalition negotiations had been reported as of Tuesday.
