Voting begins for crucial elections in Israel

Voting has commenced on Tuesday for crucial elections in Israel. This is the first national election being held amidst the ongoing conflicts and wars in the country following the Hamas attacks in 2023. This election is being considered extremely decisive in the history of the country.

According to an NPR report, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is in the field as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot is fighting for the post of Prime Minister for the first time as the leader of a new centre-right party named 'Yashar'. However, voters will not vote for leaders directly but for various parties for the 120-seat Knesset Parliament. To form a government, it will be imperative to form a coalition having at least 61 seats.

In the elections, Netanyahu is campaigning on the basis of Israel's military achievements and his close relations with US President Trump. On the other hand, Eisenkot has taken a pledge not to join the government under Netanyahu's leadership. The role of Arab parties could also become important in this election, although most Jewish parties show reluctance to form a coalition with them.