The top photos of the day by AP's photojournalists
A pedestrian passes a campaign billboard featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and his main rival, opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot, with a message in Hebrew that reads "The race is tight," Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Tel Aviv, Israel.
As featured on
Israelis will vote in a pivotal election as the country grapples with unfinished wars and divisions over its future. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Polls show neither candidate's party is likely to garner enough support for a parliamentary majority, leading to possible weeks of negotiations over forming a winning coalition. The election is Israel's first national vote since the Oct. 7 attacks and serves as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership. The outcome could shape Israel's identity as either more nationalist and religious or liberal democratic.