Israel election live: polls open in most consequential vote in country’s history

Most polling shows prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition will lose its majority, with Gadi Eisenkot the leading opposition contender

• What you need to know about Israel’s election

Across Israel, voting is now under way, with most polling places open until 10pm local time (8pm GMT).

Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad have flown in for the elections, according to Aid Coalition, a US-based nonprofit focused on strengthening Israel’s democracy. Israeli law generally requires citizens to vote in person in the country, with narrow exceptions for diplomats and certain official emissaries abroad.