Polling stations open at 7 a.m. across country for 6.3 million eligible voters, as bitter, hard-fought repeat campaign season reaches its climax

Secular politicians warn of a theocracy, religious politicians warn of anti-Orthodox persecution, and both sides say the soul of the country is at stake

Both candidates strike a solemn note the night before elections with prayers in Jerusalem for peace and success for Israel

Hanan Melcer breaks up gathering, says it is a violation of campaign laws; also bans businesses from having election day discounts for voters

Blue and White leader says he'll tap fellow former IDF chief Gabi Ashkenazi for defense, ex-defense minister Moshe Ya'alon for education, if he forms next government

Generals-turned-politicians accuse PM of exploiting security issues for political gain after newspaper says he planned, and later abandoned, Gaza operation last week

Party leaders and top candidates make their final cases in interviews with Hebrew media, less than 24 hours before polls open

In a dig at Netanyahu, Blue and White chief says only someone who commits to returning mandate to form a government, if he fails, should be given the chance

Prime minister seemingly has no idea how many projectiles were fired at Israel in past 18 months; chief rival botches answer to 'how are you?'

The PM's opponents have struggled to set out a compelling alternative vision, opted not to unify, and failed to challenge him effectively in his key areas of weakness