Polling stations open for crucial elections for Netanyahu

Polling stations in Israel opened for crucial elections, the first since the Hamas attacks in October 2023. The elections will determine the country's leadership after a period of violence, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu currently trailing in polls. Recent surveys indicate that the coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot could secure between 52 and 56 seats, while Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 50 seats, both falling short of the 61 needed for a majority. Support from Arab parties may be crucial for the opposition's success. Netanyahu is expected to vote at 11:00 AM, while Eisenkot will cast his vote later in Herzliya. A total of 12,018 polling stations are open for 7.3 million voters, including 330,000 first-time voters. The Central Election Commission warned against misinformation during the voting process.