Jerusalem, Oct 27: Thousands of volunteer election observers were deployed at polling stations across Israel on Tuesday as voting began in a crucial election that could determine the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eyal Sher, who volunteered with the civil society group Elections Guards, said he wanted to play a role in what he described as a critical vote.
"We have a corrupt government that will do anything to stay in power," Sher said. "Every vote counts and we want to make sure the procedures are kept intact."
Netanyahu, Israel's most dominant politician for nearly two decades, is facing a closely contested election that could bring his lengthy political career to an end or further cement his reputation as one of the country's most resilient political leaders.
A poor electoral performance could open the door to a new era in Israeli politics, while a victory would reinforce Netanyahu's image as the ultimate political survivor.
The Israeli prime minister has long been adept at forming governing coalitions with religious and nationalist partners. However, opinion polls indicate a tight contest between his political bloc and the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
Eisenkot's camp has called for Netanyahu to be held accountable for the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks and his government's inability to translate military victories into diplomatic achievements.
The October 7 attacks, which marked the deadliest day in Israel's history, have featured prominently in the election campaign. However, there has been little debate over Israel's wartime conduct in Gaza, which led to an international arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
Israel's occupation of much of southern Lebanon and parts of Syria, along with its two wars against Iran, has also received broad support among Israelis.
Instead, candidates have focused on Netanyahu's responsibility for the security breakdown on October 7, his efforts to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from compulsory military service and the controversial judicial overhaul proposed in 2023.
The judicial overhaul, which critics viewed as an assault on Israel's democratic institutions, remains a major point of contention in the country's political landscape.
The election is being closely watched as voters weigh Netanyahu's leadership, security policies and political future against the prospect of a change in government.
PTI