Netanyahu seeks re-election as Israel goes to polls

Israelis have begun voting in a general election, with opinion polls suggesting PM Benjamin Netanyahu will return to office but with a reduced majority.

Campaigning in Jerusalem, Mr Netanyahu said the choice was between parties that would lead to "a divided and weak Israel or a united and strong Israel".

Analysts say Mr Netanyahu is likely to form a new right-wing coalition.

Unlike previous elections, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has not been high on most parties' campaign agendas.

Social and economic issues have emerged as key concerns among voters in the run-up to the polls.

According to final opinion polls, Mr Netanyahu's joint Likud-Yisrael Beitenu party list will win about 32 seats - down from the previous election but enough to form a majority with right-wing parties.

A right-wing bloc is expected to give Mr Netanyahu support of about 63 seats in the 120-member Knesset (parliament).

Mr Netanyahu called early elections last October after his coalition had failed to agree the annual budget.

His joint party ticket has consistently led opinion polls, but recently lost support to a new ultra-nationalist party, Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home).