American-Israeli voters could decide Netanyahu's election fate

An estimated 500,000 American-Israeli voters, including thousands who moved to Israel following rising US antisemitism, could prove decisive in Tuesday's election between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot. Observers say most recent American transplants appear to back Netanyahu, with Republicans Overseas Israel Chairman Marc Zell estimating 80-90% vote Republican. The election hinges on whether voters blame Netanyahu for the Oct. 7, 2023 security failures or view him as strongest for multi-front war. Opposition supporters like Heather Stone cite backing for an immediate Oct. 7 inquiry and military draft enforcement for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Polls show Netanyahu's alliance trailing Eisenkot's, with neither projected to reach the 61 seats needed to govern.