Polling stations in Israel have closed, vote counting begins

Israel held parliamentary elections on Tuesday, marking the first vote since the Hamas attack in October 2023. Voters decided whether to maintain Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition or to support the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu's Likud party has faced criticism over corruption and its handling of security issues. The elections come amid international scrutiny regarding civilian casualties in Gaza and settlement expansions. The opposition coalition, including centrist and leftist parties, aims to investigate the government's response to the October attack and promote national unity. The results are currently being counted.