Netanyahu urges Israelis to vote ‘the right way’ as he casts ballot

A man casts his ballot to vote at a polling station in the Arab-Israeli town of Umm al-Fahm on October 27, 2026, on the day of Israel’s legislative election. Israelis began voting on October 27 in the first general election since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, with voters to deliver their verdict on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s rightward drift. (Photo by Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Israelis to vote “the right way” on Tuesday as he cast his ballot in Jerusalem, facing a close-fought race in a pivotal general election.

Israelis are flocking to the polls for the first time since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, with a deeply divided electorate delivering their verdict on the veteran leader.