It’s been described as an existential moment; a battle for the soul of a nation. As the polls open in Israel today, public opinion is divided on what the future of the country looks like. To his supporters, Benjamin Netanyahu has protected the country in a way no other leader could, taking on Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis.

To his critics, Netanyahu is to blame for a catastrophic failure of security, leaving Israel more isolated, traumatised and no safer. Today, his most serious challenge comes from a candidate with little experience in office. Gadi Eisenkot is seen as humble, approachable … and honest. The former chief of staff for the Israeli military is promising a future without corruption. Thirteen months ago, his party didn’t even exist.

But after three years of war and upheaval, it’s clear that the consequences of today’s elections go way beyond Israel’s borders. Emma Graham-Harrison tells Nosheen Iqbal about the stakes of the election and what it could all mean for the future of Israel – and for the Palestinians living under occupation