Wailing wall and Dome of the Rock

Voting is under way in Israel in what is expected to be a close race between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party and a centre-left alliance.

The centre-left Zionist Union promises to repair relations with Palestinians and the international community.

Yitzhak Herzog (l) and PM Benjamin Netanyahu (r) have each warned voters against a coalition led by the other

Mr Netanyahu, whose party has trailed in opinion polls, vowed on Monday not to allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he wins a fourth term.

The economy and living standards have emerged as key issues.

Polls opened at 07:00 (05:00 GMT) and are due to close at 22:00.

Results could be declared soon afterwards, but a lengthy period of negotiations over the formation of the next coalition government may follow.

Continue reading the main story in BBC