Israel votes in tight election shaped by security, Iran and democracy

Israelis voted in a closely fought election in which Benjamin Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot lead rival blocs, neither projected to reach the 61 seats needed for a majority. Reports that Netanyahu pressed for pre-election action against Iran, which he denies, sit alongside disputes over the 7 October inquiry, judicial reform and ultra-Orthodox conscription. Weeks of coalition bargaining could decide who steers Israel's response to Iran and Gaza, making this a political signpost for a nation central to Scripture, not a fulfilment of prophecy.