Israelis have voted in what many observers describe as one of the most pivotal elections in the country's history.

Polling published on Friday suggests incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu is locked in a near neck-and-neck race with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot for the position of prime minister.

No clear winner has emerged from Israel's first election since the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza.

The two rivals are reported to hold differing positions on foreign policy, with their potential approaches to Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Iran drawing close scrutiny.

Netanyahu is expected to face greater constraints as caretaker prime minister following Tuesday's vote. However, experts say his government could retain significant powers, including the authority to wage war against Iran.