Israelis vote in 3rd election in a year focused on Netanyahu

(AP) — Israelis have begun voting in the country’s unprecedented third election in less than a year.

Voters will decide whether longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power despite his upcoming trial on corruption charges. Netanyahu, the longest serving leader in Israeli history, has been the caretaker prime minister for more than a year as a divided Israel has weathered two inconclusive elections and a prolonged political paralysis.

Polls are predicting another deadlock, but Netanyahu faces a stiff challenge once again from retired military chief Benny Gantz. Polls close at 10:00 p.m. (20:00 GMT) and official results are expected overnight.