Man arrested near Yair Golan with knife; 2 Democrats activists punched; Man swears at father of slain soldier Itay Chen; Haredi candidate accosted, says kids were harassed at home

Entrance to southernmost city of Eilat blocked; authorities warn against driving or hiking in affected areas due to fear of flash floods; weather expected to worsen as night falls

The aftermath of October 7, 2023, and subsequent political discord drives changing voting patterns in southern Israel, from communities attacked during massacre to Bedouin hamlets

74.3% of eligible voters cast ballots by 8 p.m., highest since 1988 at that hour; pointing to Arabs and the left, Netanyahu says 'they're trying to steal election,' while Eisenkot accuses him of trying to 'lay groundwork' to contest results

Many members of the ultra-Orthodox community see casting a ballot as a religious duty, even as some denounce the process: 'Whatever happens is in God's hands'

Gathering in Tel Aviv, families of those killed or taken hostage call on Israelis to exercise right to vote in memory of those who can't; father of slain soldier Itay Chen accosted in Netanya

Accepting Bar-Ilan University honorary doctorate, actress speaks of 'opportunity to make a difference' at the ballot box; 'No matter how far I travel, Israel's always my home,' she says

Netanyahu claims to be an honorary Ethiopian, visits Jerusalem holy site; Eisenkot and Bennett raise a glass with voters in Tel Aviv; Ben Gvir ascends Temple Mount; Arab, ultra-Orthodox parties urge voter turnout

Party sources claim concern over possible voter fraud in Arab sector, say discussions have been held about contesting results in similar manner to Trump's 2020 'rigged elections' campaign

With neither bloc assured of a majority, here's how Israel's electoral system works, what could decide the election, and how Netanyahu could remain in power -- even if he loses

Over 80% of young Israelis have said they would 'definitely' vote in election, with their time in the army since Oct. 7 or upcoming conscription potentially impacting their decision

Campaigning on universal draft and 'voluntary emigration' from Gaza, the retired IDF general hopes to parlay a modest win into a top position. First he must pass the electoral threshold

Many Israelis fed up with PM are also not big on his rivals, with pollster predicting around 25% of those voting are late deciders who 'will definitely have an effect' on the outcome

Despite major headwinds, analysts predict PM could still retain power, citing centrality of 'identity politics' and the opposition's failure to capitalize on public anger over Oct. 7

Zehut chief defends opposition to blanket ban on public transportation during day of rest, says 'state institutions must maintain a distinctly Jewish character' but he 'doesn't believe in coercion'

Financier linked to Case 1000 says payments unrelated to PM’s trial; payments began weeks after pair renewed contact and lasted for 2 years, Sydney Morning Herald says

At meeting with top cop Daniel Levy and National Security Minister Ben Gvir, PM said to have raised concerns that ‘left-wing anarchists’ may taint Tuesday vote

Prosecutors indict attorney on charges of contact with foreign agent and obstruction of justice, ask to keep her in custody over two weeks after police, Shin Bet arrested her

Liberman has floated recruiting Likud MKs to help form government without Netanyahu, but strict legislation threatens to complicate any attempt to cross political lines

Opposition bloc lawmakers and activists out in force, coalition representatives nowhere to be seen, while some 60,000 non-residents exercise their civic duty