Israel election: Netanyahu seeks new term in tight race

Yitzhak Herzog (l) and PM Benjamin Netanyahu (r) have each warned voters against a coalition led by the other
Polls have opened in Israel in what is expected to be a close contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party and a centre-left alliance.

The centre-left Zionist Union promises to repair relations with Palestinians and the international community.

Mr Netanyahu, whose party has trailed in opinion polls, vowed on Monday not to allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he wins a fourth term.

The economy and living standards have emerged as key issues.

Polls opened at 07:00 (05:00 GMT) and are due to close at 22:00.

Results could be declared soon afterwards, but a lengthy period of negotiations over the formation of the next coalition government may follow.

By Mark Lowen, BBC News, Jerusalem

Under a sunny Jerusalem sky, voters have been turning out at a polling station surrounded by election posters, party volunteers on hand for a last-minute push. Among them is the banner of Likud, the right-wing party of Benjamin Netanyahu, with the slogan "It's us or them… only Likud".

But Israel's Prime Minister for the past six years knows it could well be "them" after today's vote. Behind in the last opinion polls, he faces the political fight of his life. Even if he loses to the opposition Zionist Union, though, he still stands a better chance of building a coalition. The centre of gravity of Israeli politics is largely on the right - the Zionist Union could struggle to find the partners needed for a 61-seat majority.

Mr Netanyahu has campaigned on his core issue of security, shoring up his right wing vote by effectively ruling out a Palestinian state. But for his opponents - and for the majority of voters - the number one issue here is the cost of living that has soared under his watch. And that is where they believe his weakness lies.
No party has ever won an outright majority under Israel's proportional representation voting system, and neither side is expected to get more than a quarter of the votes in Tuesday's election.

Opinion polls published before the weekend suggested that the centre-left Zionist Union is likely to win the most seats.

However, the BBC's Kevin Connolly in Jerusalem says that it might still be possible for Mr Netanyahu to form a coalition government even if his Likud party fails to top the poll.

Some of the key numbers involved in Israel's election - in 60 seconds

As Mr Netanyahu cast his vote on Tuesday, he ruled out forming a coalition with the Zionist Union: "There will not be a unity government with Labour. I will form a nationalist (rightwing) government," he said.

Mr Herzog said his rival represented the "path of despair and disappointment".

"Whoever wants change, hope, and really a better future for Israel, will vote the Zionist Camp," he said.
The main players
Benjamin Netanyahu: Victory for his Likud party could mean a fourth term for the veteran of Israeli politics. His hawkish stance on the Palestinians and Iran have made him popular with the right but a divisive figure.
Yitzhak Herzog: The co-leader of the centre-left Zionist Union electoral alliance, Mr Herzog has accused Likud of depressing Israeli living standards and campaigned against Mr Netanyahu's foreign policy. He has tried to counter Mr Netanyahu's accusations he is "soft" by pointing to his special forces background.
Tzipi Livni: Mr Herzog's co-leader in the Zionist Union, Ms Livni is a prominent advocate of seeking more cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.
Moshe Kahlon: A former Likud welfare and communications minister under Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Kahlon's centre-right Kulanu party could play kingmaker in a coalition.