Netanyahu and Gantz vote!

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former army commander Benny Gantz have already dropped their ballots into the box.

"This is a sacred act, the essence of democracy, and we should be thankful for that," Netanyahu said as he voted in a Jerusalem school.

"You need to choose well, but I can't tell you for whom. Or I can, but I'm not going to. God willing, Israel will win."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to cast his vote during Israel's parliamentary elections in Jerusalem (AFP)

Gantz, meanwhile cast his vote in the central Israeli city of Rosh Haayin.

"I am looking the people of Israel in the eyes and telling them: this change is possible. I offer myself as Israel's prime minister and together, we will take this new path."

Retired Israeli general Benny Gantz, one of the leaders of the Blue and White (Kahol Lavan) political alliance, casts his vote (AFP)