Deeply divided Israel braces for pivotal election
Israel is preparing for a pivotal general election amid deep national divisions and a tight race between the governing coalition and the opposition. The campaign has been marked by new political tactics and the emergence of former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as a key challenger to Benjamin Netanyahu.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will significantly influence Israel's domestic policy and its approach to regional security challenges.
Figure caption, Watch: Why Israel's election is one of the most important in its history
After three years of regional war, this is a battle Israel always knew was coming.
The general election on Tuesday hangs over a country that's deeply divided and ready for a fight.
Polls published on Friday put the governing coalition and the main opposition bloc almost neck-and-neck, with half a million first-time voters due to cast their ballot and some 70,000 Israelis reportedly flying in from abroad specifically to vote.
On Saturday night, vast crowds of opposition voters gathered in central Tel Aviv to demand a change of government.
"We're optimistic," 21-year-old Omri told me. "I want peace, I want security, and I want to end corruption and get the religious fanatics out."
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