Israel votes with Netanyahu’s future at stake

JERUSALEM: Israelis voted in a high-stakes election that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long rightwing tenure despite corruption allegations or to replace him with an ex-military chief new to politics.

The vote is expected to be close and likely lead to negotiations to form a coalition once results are in, with opinion polls having shown Netanyahu best placed to do so.

Polls were to close at 3am Malaysian time in most areas and exit surveys will be released afterward. Final results are expected sometime today.

Ex-military chief Benny Gantz has mounted a strong challenge to the veteran prime minister by brandishing his security credentials while pledging to undo damage he says Netanyahu has inflicted on the country with divisive politics.

“I’m happy to stand for the good of the citizens on a new path,” Gantz said after casting his ballot in his hometown of Rosh Haayin.

“We shall respect democracy and call for a respectful and quiet day from all sides.”

Netanyahu voted later in Jerusalem and urged Israelis to “choose well”.

The election was in many ways a referendum on the 69-year-old who has built a reputation as guarantor of the country’s security and economic growth, but whose populism and alleged corruption have left many ready for change.

He has engaged in populist rhetoric that critics say amounts to the demonisation of Arab Israelis.

True to form, Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge only three days before the election, saying he planned to annex settlements in the West Bank should he win.

Extending Israeli sovereignty on a large-scale in the West Bank could be the death knell to already fading hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

It is a move long-sought by Israel’s far-right.