Jerusalem:Israelis are casting their votes in a tightly contested parliamentary election that could either end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lengthy tenure or result in another political stalemate, as no major bloc is predicted to secure a majority.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, this election marks Israel's first general vote since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. It is also the first election held on schedule since 1988, with past governments often collapsing before completing their terms.

The election involves 37 parties and electoral lists vying for seats in the 120-member Knesset, where a coalition requires the backing of at least 61 lawmakers. Around 7.3 million people are eligible to vote, including approximately 1.2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel. Voting is taking place at over 12,000 polling stations with around 18,000 ballot boxes nationwide.

Final polls indicate former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party is slightly ahead of Netanyahu's Likud, with Yashar projected to win 22 to 23 seats compared to Likud's 19 to 21. The B'Yachad alliance, led by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, is expected to secure 14 or 15 seats.

The election results could hinge on the performance of smaller parties and the Palestinian-led parties, which are projected to win up to 16 seats. Coalition negotiations will play a crucial role, as no party has ever secured an outright Knesset majority, and President Isaac Herzog will consult elected parties to assign the task of forming a government.

Netanyahu, seeking another term, has emphasized national security in his campaign while facing criticism over recent security failures and ongoing corruption trials. Eisenkot, positioning himself as an alternative, has campaigned for government accountability and political stability, although he shares similar views with Netanyahu on key security issues.

Exit polls are expected after voting concludes at 10 pm local time, with initial results emerging overnight. Official results will be published by November 4, potentially followed by extended coalition discussions.