Israelis will get an opportunity to try to end the political stalemate when they go to vote in an unprecedented third election in under a year on Monday.
Neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main challenger, Benny Gantz, were able to put together majority coalitions following the last two elections.
The final opinion polls suggested the latest round is too close to call.
Israeli employees of the Central Elections Committee, and the Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical, present and demonstrate a special polling station for Israeli voters in home quarantine because of coronavirus, in Tel Aviv, Israel, 01 March 2020. Israeli legislative elections will be held on 02 March for the third time in one year. EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI
Most of the 10,631 polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, enabling the 6,453,255 eligible voters to cast ballots. There will also be 14 special polling stations for the 5,630 Israelis quarantined due to exposure to the coronavirus.
The turnout for the race cannot be predicted after 68.46% of eligible Israeli voters cast ballots in the April 9 election and 69.83% in the September 17 race.
Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz predicted victory at political events on Sunday.
A combo photo showing Leader of the Blue and White political alliance, and former Israeli army chief of staff, Benny Gantz (R) and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) speaking at a conference in kibbutz Kiryat Anavim, near Jerusalem, Israel. Israel will held general elections on 02 March. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN
They both said they would continue to lead their party even if they will not form the next government and even if a fourth election would have to be held.
