Israelis head to the polls on election day as far-right parties eye gains among young voters, after Benny Gantz's withdrawal

On election day, Israelis face a defining choice about the country's direction following October 7, with far-right figures including Ben-Gvir poised to make significant gains among first-time and young voters drawn to extreme positions. Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar invoked the 1992 election, when votes scattered across three small right-wing parties handed the left a majority ahead of the Oslo Accords. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that smaller factions could force a government reliant on Arab parties. Ofer Winter's People of Israel party declined to withdraw. Israelis will elect 120 Knesset members on October 27.

Far-right parties are finding fertile ground among first-time voters, with Ben-Gvir's faction forecast to make significant electoral gains.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot welcomed Gantz's withdrawal as 'correct and responsible'.

Gantz is advocating for a unity government bringing together both the Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs.