Israel votes after October 7 attack, Netanyahu faces reckoning

Israel holds its first election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing potential reckoning over the deadliest security failure in the nation's history. The vote on Tuesday could reshape Israeli leadership amid ongoing regional conflicts. Netanyahu has rejected blame for the breach and resisted calls for an independent investigation, arguing his wars against Hamas and Iran's allies will bring peace. Polls predict a sharp drop for his Likud party, but rival factions lack a clear path to power, suggesting possible stalemate. In Be'eri kibbutz, where one-in-ten residents were killed in the attack, survivors express deep disillusionment. Residents like Gal Cohen say Netanyahu should have resigned, while hostage families continue demanding accountability. Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square urging citizens to vote for change.