Turnout so far highest in decades as Israelis vote in pivotal election

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Election officials in Israel say early turnout in the first general election since the Hamas attacks three years ago is the highest for more than half a century. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is hoping to extend his time in office after three years of warfare, called on Israelis to vote "the right way". His main challenger is the former military commander, Gadi Eisenkot, who urged voters to replace what he called the worst government in Israel's history.

Also, King Charles visits the Bahamas, with the issue of reparations for slavery likely to be raised.

Plus, the meme, the footballer and China. Why Kylian Mbappe has upset Beijing.

And a localised ceasefire brokered by Melania Trump begins in a small Ukrainian town, occupied by Russia - can it bring much needed humanitarian assistance, to the few thousands residents trapped there?

(Photo: An Israeli man, accompanied by a boy, votes at a polling station during Israel's national election, in Jerusalem, 27 October, 2026. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)
27 Oct 11AM English United Kingdom News

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