Israel heads into tightly contested general election

Israel is preparing for a general election on Tuesday that comes after three years of regional conflict and amid deep political division within the country.

Polls released on Friday showed the governing coalition and the main opposition bloc running almost evenly matched. Around half a million first-time voters are expected to take part, and reports indicate roughly 70,000 Israelis are travelling from abroad specifically to cast their ballots.

On Saturday night, large crowds of opposition supporters gathered in central Tel Aviv calling for a change in government. Among them was a 21-year-old named Omri, who expressed hope for the outcome, saying he wanted peace, security, an end to corruption, and the removal of religious hardliners from power.

The election campaign has featured new approaches, including the use of AI-generated videos to attract public attention. It has also introduced a notable new contender, Gadi Eisenkot, who is positioned as a contrasting figure to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, known for his assertive and media-focused political style.