Israeli opposition urges participation in elections to end Netanyahu era

Leaders of the Israeli Jewish opposition called on voters to cast their ballots on Tuesday to end the era of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as voting began in the parliamentary elections at 7:00 AM Jerusalem time (05:00 UTC) and continued until 10:00 PM (20:00 UTC).

Liberman: End to the Netanyahu era

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the opposition party "Yisrael Beiteinu" and former Defense Minister, said via the "X" platform: "Vote, to put an end to the Netanyahu era and the rule of the Haredim," referring to ultra-Orthodox Jews. Netanyahu has headed the current right-wing government since late December 2022, described as the most extreme in Israel's history.

Eisenkot: The Yesh Atid path

For his part, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition party "Yesh Atid" and former Chief of Staff of the army, said via the platform: "There is only one path to achieve change and replace Netanyahu, and that is the Yesh Atid path," adding: "This party must become the largest in Israel." Both Eisenkot and Netanyahu agree on rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, despite UN resolutions stipulating its creation under the "two-state solution" principle.

Kariv: End of hope

Meanwhile, Knesset member Gilad Kariv from the opposition "Democrats" party wrote: "Today, we transfer our struggle, which we have waged over the past four years, to the ballot boxes," considering that "today represents the beginning of four years of hope." He warned voters that Netanyahu would overwhelm them with fake news and misleading messages in an attempt to undermine the elections by spreading lies and illusions, calling for high turnout at the ballot boxes.

These elections are decisive for the future of Netanyahu (76), who is facing trial on corruption charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which would result in imprisonment if convicted. Since 2024, Netanyahu has been summoned to appear before the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians during the Gaza war.

Source: Anadolu Agency