The contest is between Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, with the outcome expected to determine the country's political direction.
Netanyahu May Join Hands With Political Rival
Pre-election surveys indicate that Eisenkot’s Yashar party is leading Netanyahu’s Likud party. However, neither party appears likely to secure the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
Against this backdrop, discussions have intensified in Israel over a politically contradictory coalition that could pave the way for Netanyahu to return to power.
A report by American media outlet The Washington Post claims that Netanyahu’s allies are pushing for an alliance with opposition Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot.
The prospect is particularly striking because Eisenkot, a former Israeli army chief, has centred his election campaign on removing Netanyahu from power.
If such an alliance materialises, it would resemble the political developments in India's Bihar, where Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) joined hands with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal.
How Israel's Parliamentary Elections Work
Israel follows a parliamentary electoral system in which voters do not directly elect individual candidates.
Instead, voters choose from lists presented by political parties during national elections.
A total of 36 parties are contesting this election. To enter the Knesset, a party must secure at least 3.25 per cent of the total votes cast.
Election surveys suggest that only 11 to 13 parties are likely to cross the 3.25 per cent electoral threshold.
Likud Trails in Opinion Polls
According to the latest opinion poll conducted by Israel's Channel 12, Eisenkot is leading with an estimated 23 seats, while Netanyahu's Likud party is projected to win 21 seats.
However, Channel 14, which is considered supportive of Netanyahu, has projected 30 seats for Likud and 20 seats for the Yashar party.
Exit polls are expected to be released immediately after voting concludes at 10 pm local time, offering an initial indication of the election outcome.
Despite trailing in some surveys, Netanyahu has signalled that he could form a more moderate government.
The Washington Post report said Netanyahu could remove several hardline allies from his current government, including Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit party.
However, Ben-Gvir described himself as a kingmaker on election day, saying his party had the ability to determine the direction of the coalition.
Whom Does the United States Support?
US President Donald Trump has openly backed Netanyahu, calling for him to become prime minister again on October 18.
Trump described Netanyahu as a warrior prime minister and a partner in confronting Iran.
On Sunday, the US president reiterated his support for Netanyahu.
According to a Likud party official cited by The Washington Post, Trump wants a government that can be formed quickly after the election and remains stable.
The official said Netanyahu, rather than Gadi Eisenkot, would be the right choice to lead such a government.
With neither party appearing likely to secure an outright majority, the election could leave coalition negotiations at the centre of Israel's political future. The possibility of Netanyahu joining forces with a political rival, alongside the competing projections from opinion polls, makes the outcome a crucial test of his political standing.
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