Israel's Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot, the main rival of current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cast his vote in a pivotal election on Tuesday (October 27), that voters are describing as the most consequential in their history.

An military ex-chief of staff and security hawk, Eisenkot aims to unseat Netanyahu with the support of parties on the right and centre, as well as the rump of an increasingly marginalized left. Opinion polls show a close race, with neither leader facing an easy path to power.

In the first election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, voters are passionately engaged over the trauma of the country's deadliest day, and the ensuing wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

Policies of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition have been divisive at home and have deepened Israel's international isolation, but he has defended his record as the only leader with the mettle to face Israel's foes.

Voters began casting ballots after polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT). The polls close at 10 p.m. (2000 GMT).

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Yashar Party leader Eisenkot casts ballot in pivotal Israel election

VIDEO SHOWS: YASHAR PARTY LEADER GADI EISENKOT VOTING / EISENKOT SPEAKING TO MEDIA

SHOWS: HERZLIYA, ISRAEL (OCTOBER 27, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. YASHAR PARTY LEADER GADI EISENKOT AT POLLING STATION, WALKING TO POLLING STATION STAFF AND REGISTERING

2. POLLING STATION STAFF HANDING EISENKOT BALLOT, EISENKOT WALKING TO VOTING BOOTH AND VOTING

3. EISENKOT LEAVING VOTING BOOTH, WALKING TO GREET WIFE, HANNAH EISENKOT, AND HUGGING GRANDSON

4. EISENKOT AND WIFE, HANNAH EISENKOT, CASTING VOTE IN BALLOT BOX

5. VARIOUS OF EISENKOT LEAVING POLLING STATION, SURROUNDED BY MEDIA

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) YASHAR PARTY LEADER, GADI EISENKOT, SAYING:

"These are critical elections, Victory is not in the bag. We are facing the most critical day, perhaps since the founding of the state. I call on all Israeli citizens to go out and vote. Do not be discouraged by the heat or the disruptions. Stay focused on the mission: to replace the worst government since the state was founded, tonight.

That will be the answer to the evasion of responsibility, to draft dodging at the expense of commitment and responsibility, and to the culture of lies and intimidation, which we will put an end to today."

7. MEDIA FOLLOWING EISENKOT

8. ISRAELI FLAGS FLYING ON POLLING STATION EXTERIOR