Israel Votes as Netanyahu Faces His Toughest Political Test

Israelis began voting on Tuesday in parliamentary elections marked by a close contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his opponents.

The vote presents Netanyahu with his toughest political test as he seeks to retain power in a country facing deep internal divisions.

His rivals are challenging his leadership in a tightly contested race, with the outcome set to determine the shape of Israel’s next parliament.

The election comes as Israel confronts political and security challenges, adding to the stakes of a vote held against a backdrop of sharp domestic tensions.