Israel is holding a national election that will decide the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political career and legacy.
What happened
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, is seeking re-election amidst a looming Iran threat and a security record that has been a major focus of his campaign.
US President Donald Trump has endorsed Netanyahu, calling him a great warrior and partner for peace, and an ally in the confrontation with Iran.
Netanyahu has thanked Trump for his endorsement, stating that together they will prevent Iran's regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The election is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's war objectives, including disarming Hamas and Hezbollah and countering the nuclear threat from Iran.
Netanyahu's current term has been marked by controversy, including a judicial reform push that triggered mass protests and a hostage crisis that sparked public anger over his handling of the situation.
Despite this, Netanyahu remains a dominant figure in Israeli politics, with a career spanning over 20 years and a reputation for liberalizing the economy and transforming Israel into a global high-tech hub.
