Why it could take time for a new Israeli government to form

Israelis are voting in what many view as one of the most pivotal elections in the country's history. It is the first parliamentary election since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks and subsequent conflicts across the region - in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

BBC Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell explains why it may take some time before a new government is formed after the polls close. According to Knell, the election is a complex and sensitive issue, with many factors at play.

The election is a result of the collapse of the previous government, which was formed after the 2021 election. The new government will need to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between different political parties, as well as the ongoing conflicts in the region.

Knell notes that the election is not just about the future of Israel, but also about the future of the region. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the Middle East, and will likely impact the relationships between different countries in the region.

The BBC will provide live coverage of the election, including analysis and updates from Yolande Knell and other correspondents in the region.