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Turnout so far highest in decades as Israelis vote in pivotal election

Turnout in Israel's pivotal election is the highest for more than half a century - as voters decide whether to continue with Benjamin Netanyahu.

Election officials in Israel say early turnout in the first general election since the Hamas attacks three years ago is the highest for more than half a century. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is hoping to extend his time in office after three years of warfare, called on Israelis to vote "the right way". His main challenger is the former military commander, Gadi Eisenkot, who urged voters to replace what he called the worst government in Israel's history.

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(Photo: An Israeli man, accompanied by a boy, votes at a polling station during Israel's national election, in Jerusalem, 27 October, 2026. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

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