The parliamentary elections in Israel have begun - Netanyahu is fighting to retain power. The polls opened this morning. For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this is one of the most severe political tests in recent years. Israelis are voting following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the war in the Gaza Strip, the confrontation with Iran and the growing international isolation of the country. Netanyahu's main opponent is former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, around whom the political forces of the right and the camp in the center united. According to polls before the elections, the struggle between the blocs remains tense. However, no party has a guaranteed majority, so forming a coalition can play a crucial role. The polls will close at 22:00 local time.