Jerusalem: Israelis voted on Tuesday in a high-stakes election that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long right-wing tenure despite corruption allegations or to replace him with an ex-military chief new to politics.
The vote is expected to be close and likely lead to frantic negotiations to form a coalition once results are in, with opinion polls having shown Netanyahu best placed to do so. Polls were to close at 1900 GMT in most areas and exit surveys will be released afterward. Final results were not expected until early on Wednesday.
Ex-military chief Benny Gantz has mounted a strong challenge to the veteran prime minister by brandishing his security credentials while pledging to undo damage he says Netanyahu has inflicted on the country with divisive politics.
“I'm happy to stand for the good of the citizens on a new path,” Gantz said after casting his ballot in his hometown of Rosh Haayin.
“We shall respect democracy and call for a respectful and quiet day from all sides.” Netanyahu voted later in Jerusalem and urged Israelis to “choose well.” “This is a sacred act, the essence of democracy, and we should be thankful for that,” he said. “God willing, Israel will win.” The election was in many ways a referendum on the 69-year-old who has built a reputation as guarantor of the country's security and economic growth, but whose populism and alleged corruption have left many ready for change.
He has engaged in populist rhetoric that critics say amounts to the demonisation of Arab Israelis and others.
True to form, Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge only three days before the election, saying he planned to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank should he win.
Extending Israeli sovereignty on a large-scale in the West Bank could be the death knell to already fading hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.
