Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday morning that Israel's election is going to be "very close" and called on the voting public not to "waste votes" on parties that "won't pass the electoral threshold, such as Otzma Yehudit, or parties that will pass such as [Yamina]."
Netanyahu cast his vote on Tuesday in Jerusalem alongside his wife. He is seeking a fifth term against the prospect of a possible indictment on corruption charges.
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He faces a stiff challenge from retired IDF chief Benny Gantz, whose center-left Blue and White party is running even with Netanyahu's Likud. Both parties could struggle to form a majority coalition with smaller allies, though, forcing them into a potential unity government.
Netanyahu urged all citizens to cast their ballots and said of the election that "I can confirm to you this morning that they are very close."
"Anyone waking up right now and saying 'we'll go to the beach,' go to the beach after you vote. Bring your neighbors, vote Likud, otherwise, you'll get Gantz and [Blue and White co-leader Yair] Lapid as prime ministers."
Yamina chairwoman Ayelet Shaked cast her vote in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning, warning that Netanyahu was attempting to prevent her party's election chances.
"We are at war. You have to work hard at the polling stations and convince all right-wingers to vote for us. It will be tough due to Netanyahu's gevalt campaign to try and hurt us."
Gantz, who voted in Rosh Haayin, urged Israelis to vote against corruption and "extremism."
"Those who sit at home and do not vote do not take responsibility for what is happening in the country," he told reporters.
"We want new hope. We are voting today for change… We will succeed in bringing change, without corruption and without extremism, all together," he said.
The person who perhaps holds the keys to a future coalition, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, said Tuesday morning that he will insist upon a unity government between the two largest factions.
