Trend-setting vote: Netanyahu's challenger Eisenkot is confident of victory

The citizens of Israel decide on their new parliament. Challenger Eisenkot expresses his confidence in victory and announces a new style of politics in the event of a change of government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, announced a new style of politics in the event of a change of government. Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP/dpa

Tel Aviv/Berlin. Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main challenger in Israel's parliamentary elections, has announced a new style of politics if he takes over the government. Speaking at a polling station in Holon, he said: “There is a wind of change blowing in Israel, this change will come tonight at 10 p.m. (local time).” The polling stations close at this time.

Eisenkot announced a responsible style of government. "We will not lead Israel through division and scaremongering, but through unity and real love. We will win!"

Before a legal poll ban began, pollsters predicted a close race between Netanyahu's right-wing conservative camp and the opposition party alliance, with neither camp achieving a secure majority.