Israelis take to the polls in snap elections

Polling stations opened at 7 am and exit polls are expected at the end of the voting day at 10 pm. Official results are projected to come in overnight.

Haifa:Polls opened in Israel on Tuesday morning in an unprecedented repeat election that will decide whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power.

Against the prospect of a likely indictment on corruption charges, Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term in office.

He faces a stiff challenge from retired military chief Benny Gantz, whose centrist Blue and White party is running even with Netanyahu's Likud.

Both parties could struggle to form a majority coalition with smaller allies, though, forcing them into a potential unity government.

It's the second election this year, after Netanyahu failed to build a coalition following April's vote and dissolved parliament.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and exit polls are expected at the end of the voting day at 10 p.m.

Official results are projected to come in overnight.