Israel heads to a close election dominated by Netanyahu

Israelis vote on Tuesday in a general election that polls show running neck and neck between blocs for and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led for 19 of the past 30 years. Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot leads the opposition, while far-right parties press for more West Bank settlement and tougher measures against Palestinians. The outcome will shape Israel's wartime leadership, its handling of Gaza and the West Bank, and its place in regional diplomacy. Scripture treats Israel's land and Jerusalem as central, but this vote is a political contest and not a prophetic fulfilment.