Israelis in West Bank communities tell reporters they used to vote for PM, but soured on him after Oct. 7 attack, feel Smotrich, Ben Gvir 'won't let this happen'

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

As Israel votes, ever more strident hard-right views compete with hopes for a diverse land. The outcome could shape the country’s identity for years.

© Avishag Shaar-Yashuv for The New York Times

Noting Ben Gvir, Smotrich have caused Israel 'enormous reputational damage,' Jewish hedge fund exec says he supports Netanyahu, but PM should signal country is turning 'new page'

Billionaire hedge fund investor Bill Ackman called for Israel’s next government to exclude far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich days before Israeli voters head to the polls, arguing that both have damaged the country’s international reputation. “Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have caused Israel enormous reputational damage with their statements…

The Supreme Court’s decision to force Palestinian politician Sami Abu Shehadeh out of the upcoming Israeli elections is the latest sign that there is no place for Palestinian citizens of Israel in the ‘Jewish and democratic’ state.

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