Voting under way in Israel, a tough test for Netanyahu

Voting is under way in Israel on Tuesday for the 120 seats of parliament, in an election seen as a tough test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As polling stations opened, voters of various ages cited political leadership, economic challenges, the ongoing war and the need for peace as the main issues on their minds.

A young voter who spoke to the news agency ANI in Jerusalem said he would vote against Netanyahu, voicing concern about democracy and social unity. Another voter expressed hope for a peaceful future for the country.

US President Donald Trump has backed Netanyahu's election campaign. According to the BBC, Netanyahu discussed the possibility of striking Iran again during the campaign, and Trump's support has reinforced that speculation.

The United States is also set to hold midterm elections a week from now, where inflation has become the main campaign issue.

Analysts say Israel's election results could affect the country's future government, its conflict with Iran and the future of the Middle East. They note that changes in the composition of the US Congress could also affect the direction of the war and the global economy.