Israel Votes as Netanyahu and Rivals Battle for 61-Seat Majority

Israelis began casting their ballots on Tuesday in a closely contested parliamentary election, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his opponents vying for a path to power.

The battle centres on securing a 61-seat majority, making the balance between rival political alliances crucial to the outcome. The contest is not simply about who wins the most support, but who can assemble a governing coalition.

Netanyahu is seeking to hold off his challengers, while his opponents are competing to build an alternative majority. A tight result could leave the formation of a government dependent on negotiations between parties.

The vote comes amid deep internal divisions and political and security challenges facing the country. Those pressures will confront whichever alliance succeeds in forming the next government.