Israel to go back to polls for third time

For the third time in under a year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking re-election.

After two inconclusive elections last year, opinion polls forecast another stalemate. Today’s election is seen as another referendum on Mr Netanyahu, the country’s longest serving prime minister, who will go on trial on corruption charges two weeks after the vote.

The 70-year-old has taken to the airwaves and hit the campaign trail, presenting himself to adoring audiences as a global statesman uniquely qualified to lead the country.

He has also claimed opponent Benny Gantz is corrupt, unstable and susceptible to blackmail by Iran.

“Being prime minister of Israel is a complicated thing, full of pressures,” Mr Netanyahu said. “I don’t think Benny Gantz can handle it.”

Mr Gantz, a former military chief of staff, has focused on Mr Netanyahu’s character, saying a man accused of serious crimes is unfit to lead.