ML--Israel-Election, ADVISORY

EDITORS:

Israel is holding an unprecedented third election in under a year on Monday, after voting last April and September failed to determine a clear winner. Once again, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is locked in a tight race with challenger Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party.

Here’s a look at AP’s planned coverage. For up-to-the-minute coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org

MOVED:

ISRAEL-ELECTION — For the third time in under a year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking re-election, and once again the embattled Israeli leader is on the ropes. After a pair of inconclusive elections last year, opinion polls are forecasting another stalemate — a potentially troubling scenario for Netanyahu as he prepares to go on trial in just over two weeks for a slew of corruption charges. By Josef Federman. AP Photos.

ISRAEL-ELECTION SCENARIOS — A look at how Israel’s election could play out. By Aron Heller. Photos.

ISRAEL-ELECTION PARTIES — A look at major parties and electoral “blocs” of coalition partners.

MOVING MONDAY:

ISRAEL-ELECTION — Weary and divided, Israelis head to the polls for the third time in less than 12 months after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Benny Gantz failed to strike a governing deal in previous votes. Polls open at 7 a.m. (12 a.m. Eastern, 0400 GMT) and close at 10 p.m. (3 p.m. Eastern, 1900 GMT). Exit polls will be announced immediately when voting ends, and official results will come in throughout the night. A setup story moves overnight with updates throughout the day and evening.

With:

AP EXPLAINS-ISRAEL-ELECTION — A look at the main players, key issues, and process of building a government after Monday's election.

ISRAEL-ELECTION CONTENDERS — A look at the two main candidates.

PHOTO:

AP Photos will be expedited throughout the day of major candidates, including Netanyahu, Gantz, Avigdor Lieberman and Ayman Odeh, casting ballots, voters in various locations and images of leaders and supporters from party headquarters when results come in.

VIDEO:

ISR POLLS OPEN — LIVE of polling stations, including designated place for voters quarantined at home due to coronavirus fears. 7 a.m. (0400GMT)

ISR NETANYAHU — PM Netanyahu casts his ballot in Jerusalem. (0600 GMT)

ISR GANTZ — Main challenger to Netanyahu, former military chief Benny Gantz, casts his ballot, in central Israel. Timing TBD.

ISR VOTING — Voting gets underway in Israel. Voter reax. Expected by 0830 GMT.

ISR VOTING 2 — Voters in Tel Aviv react. By 0830 GMT.

ISR ARAB VOTERS — Arab voters take to polls. Arab politician Ayman Odeh casts ballot in northern city of Haifa. By 0700 GMT.

ISR POLLS CLOSE — Polls close in Israel. Live of polling station in Jerusalem. 1900 GMT.

ISR EXIT POLLS — Exit polls on channels predict winner. Live. 1900 GMT.

ISR RESULTS REAX — Main contenders hold speeches throughout the night. Live from Likud and Blue and White headquarters in Tel Aviv.

WB REAX — Palestinians react to exit polls. By 2030 GMT.

ISR GANTZ — Netanyahu challenger expected to speak. 2200 GMT.