Israel's pivotal election tests Netanyahu amid deep divisions

Israel holds a pivotal general election on Tuesday, with the governing coalition and opposition running neck-and-neck amid deep national division after three years of regional war. The race pits Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose centrist Yashar party has led recent polls. Key issues include security, judicial reform, and a state inquiry into the October 7, 2023 attacks, which over 70% of Jewish Israelis support. About half a million first-time voters and 70,000 overseas Israelis are casting ballots. Far-right parties are gaining youth support, while Arab parties could become kingmakers. A deadlock is possible, with threats to both democracy and security looming.