JERUSALEM, Oct. 27 -- Israel's electorate remains deeply divided over the government's handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, as voters head into an election that could shape the country's political direction in the coming years.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking re-election on a platform centred on national security and military gains against Israel's regional adversaries. However, his ruling coalition faces a closely contested race, with centrist opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot emerging as a significant challenger and far-right parties seeking to strengthen their support, particularly among younger voters.

Opinion polls released last week indicated a tight contest between the ruling coalition and the opposition...