Israel goes to the polls and Benjamin Netanyahu puts his future in power

More than Six million Israelis They voted Tuesday in the crucial parliamentary elections to decide whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would continue to dominate Israeli politics or whether the time had come for Benny Gantz, a candidate for the first time.

Previous surveys indicate that the the result will be extremely tight and that after the constitution of the new parliament, the formation of a new government will result in intense negotiations.

The run for power is played by two favorites: Netanyahu, backed by his right-wing party, Likud, and Gantz, on behalf of his center-right party, Blue and White.

"I am happy to put myself at the service of Israel, I am happy to engage for the sake of citizens in a new way," told reporters Gantz, the first to vote.

Netanyahu, who voted around noon in Jerusalem, called his compatriots to "choose well".

"Bibi" looking for a fifth term

Netanyahu already accumulates 13 years in office of the Prime Minister and seeks a fifth term this would allow him to establish a record of longevity in power.

"Bibi", as his compatriots call him, to govern Israel since March 31, 2009that's 10 years and eight days. He was head of government for the first time between June 1996 and July 1999, for three years and 18 days.

Meanwhile, Gantz, 59, and former paratrooper, brings the experience of having been commander of a special forces unit and former chief of staff defense forces.

Without both candidates having significant differences in their government programs, the campaign turned into a plebiscite on Netanyahu's person, worshiped and hated in equal parts and is being investigated for corruption.

The latest polls allowed showed Friday the Likud and the Blue and White fight side by side for every votebut – with a forecast of 30 seats each – the two parties are far from the absolute majority of 61 seats.

So, no matter who wins the election because will have to negotiate with other blocks to be able to govern.