More than 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote Tuesday in legislative elections for the 26th Knesset, the first national vote since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the ensuing wars.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 10 p.m., with over 12,000 locations set up across the country. Election day is a national holiday, and voters select from 38 party lists under a proportional representation system that requires a 3.25 percent threshold for seats.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and its right-wing allies face off against an opposition bloc led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Recent polls showed Eisenkot's Yashar party ahead of Likud, with neither coalition expected to reach the 61 seats needed for a governing majority in the 120-seat parliament.

The election comes amid ongoing security challenges following three years of conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Netanyahu has framed the vote as critical to Israel's future security and existence. Domestic issues, including military conscription for ultra-Orthodox communities and economic pressures, also feature prominently.

Official results are expected around November 4, after which President Isaac Herzog will consult with party leaders to select a candidate to form a government. Coalition negotiations could extend for weeks, potentially leading to further delays or repeat elections if no majority emerges.

Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad returned to cast ballots, while early voting at diplomatic missions abroad concluded with high turnout. Analysts note the race remains tight, with Arab parties projected to win around 14 seats but unlikely to join a governing coalition under current alignments.