Israelis are voting in a general election on Tuesday for the fifth time in less than four years.

The focus is on whether former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can stage a comeback. He was unseated last year after being in office since 2009.

The coalition government that replaced Netanyahu's administration was marred by political gridlock. It was forced to dissolve parliament earlier this year.

Israeli elections have resulted in stalemates since 2019, with public support closely divided between the right and other political forces.

The latest polls indicate Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party will gain the most seats.
Right-wing and far-right parties are likely to secure 60 seats, one short of a majority.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid party is projected to become the second largest force in parliament.

Polls also predict a surge by the ultranationalist Religious Zionism bloc, whose call to expel Palestinians could sow regional unrest.

Observers say Netanyahu would likely need to form a coalition to return to power, but negotiations would be difficult.