Follow live as Israelis vote in Netanyahu’s first general election since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks and the launch of his controversial war in Gaza.

First vote since October 7 attacks is a tight race between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot – with the future direction of Israel at stake. Follow for live updates.

“I hope this will be a true holiday for democracy,” Isaac Herzog, the Israeli head of state, told reporters from a polling station in Rehavia, where he and his wife voted. “No one can be allowed to spoil or undermine it.” Here’s what to know.

Security, the wars in Gaza and Iran, ultra-Orthodox military conscription and the economic cost of prolonged conflict are among the issues shaping the vote. Israeli voters will head to the polls Tuesday in an election with implications beyond the country’s borders.

Israel heads into a high-stakes election with Benjamin Netanyahu's political future and legacy on the line as voters weigh his security record and the continuing Iran threat.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has long sold himself as the best politician to manage relations with America. Our reporter Mark Mazzetti describes how that alliance is now under strain as support for Israel erodes across party lines.

Voters across Israel turn out for a pivotal election that could reshape the nation’s leadership and future direction.

Israelis are heading to the polls in a national election widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.