General election held in Israel today, Eisenkot challenges Netanyahu

General election voting is underway in Israel today, Tuesday, to elect a new parliament. This is the first general election since Hamas's attack of October 7, 2023, and the regional war that followed.

The election is being watched with great interest in Israel, which has been at war with Hamas, Iran and other regional powers for three years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to protect his political future, while Eisenkot has challenged him. Pre-election opinion polls have shown a tight contest between the two sides.

Netanyahu's supporters have been presenting him as a strong leader on security issues. Critics, however, have raised questions about the security lapses during Hamas's attack in 2023.

The two leaders come from different backgrounds. Netanyahu grew up in an upper-class milieu in Jerusalem, while Eisenkot's background is different.

A week after the Israeli election, American voters will elect a new Congress.