Israelis head to polls in close general election
- 9 years ago
Millions of Israelis are heading to the polls as Voting is in full swing in country's general election.
This as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking his fourth term in office.
With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center.
Paul, the political campaigns running up to this vote have been intense.
Many are calling this election too close to call.
But it appeared Netanyahu made a last-ditch effort to spur support.
That's right. Whether it was a strategic move or a show of panic, the incumbent Israeli Prime Minister made a huge election promise at the 11th hour... that may have wide implications for the international community .
Addressing a rally of supporters ahead of Tuesday's vote, Netanyahu vowed he would not allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he is re-elected.
He also said that conceding any land to the Palestinians would leave Israel vulnerable to attacks by Islamic extremists.
Netanyahu's Likud party has doubled on security issues -- a move political watchers say may prove unwise as socio-economic problems have emerged as the top concern among voters.
"Even the security issue, which seems to be advantageous to Netanyahu, has been criticized by former leaders of the country's security services Mossad and Shin Bet. This has posed another negative impact on Netanyahu's support rates. Some insiders of the right wing group are also bored of him and want him to lose."
Meanwhile, the the centre-left Zionist Union led by former justice minister Issac Herzog has pledged to repair ties with the Palestinians.
Israel's Central Election Committee is reporting a higher than voter turnout compared to last year.
More than 10-thousand polling stations are open nationwide to accommodate the almost 6-million eligible voters.
This as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking his fourth term in office.
With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center.
Paul, the political campaigns running up to this vote have been intense.
Many are calling this election too close to call.
But it appeared Netanyahu made a last-ditch effort to spur support.
That's right. Whether it was a strategic move or a show of panic, the incumbent Israeli Prime Minister made a huge election promise at the 11th hour... that may have wide implications for the international community .
Addressing a rally of supporters ahead of Tuesday's vote, Netanyahu vowed he would not allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he is re-elected.
He also said that conceding any land to the Palestinians would leave Israel vulnerable to attacks by Islamic extremists.
Netanyahu's Likud party has doubled on security issues -- a move political watchers say may prove unwise as socio-economic problems have emerged as the top concern among voters.
"Even the security issue, which seems to be advantageous to Netanyahu, has been criticized by former leaders of the country's security services Mossad and Shin Bet. This has posed another negative impact on Netanyahu's support rates. Some insiders of the right wing group are also bored of him and want him to lose."
Meanwhile, the the centre-left Zionist Union led by former justice minister Issac Herzog has pledged to repair ties with the Palestinians.
Israel's Central Election Committee is reporting a higher than voter turnout compared to last year.
More than 10-thousand polling stations are open nationwide to accommodate the almost 6-million eligible voters.