Updated

With Israel's election nearing, polling shows Netanyahu's bloc losing ground, with Channel 13 forecasting the unaligned Hendel-Zelekha party entering the Knesset and neither Netanyahu's coalition nor Eisenkot's opposition reaching a majority. Haredi leader Deri reiterated Shas, like UTJ, won't join a government without a draft exemption law, drawing rebukes from Bennett and Liberman, while Netanyahu is reportedly worried the Gur Hasidim bloc won't vote due to anger over the draft issue. Far-right leader Ben Gvir pitched himself to English-speaking voters, and large numbers of Israelis living abroad are flying back to vote in what many call a pivotal election. Netanyahu also addressed Iran in campaign remarks, saying overthrowing Tehran's government remains 'essential for Israel's security' but unrealistic before the election, and separately said a strike on Iran is 'not convenient' now while warning Israel's enemies may be preparing an assault; Defense Minister Katz warned Hezbollah against launching a new conflict.