Updated

Israelis have started going to the polls in a parliamentary election expected to return Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to office.

The voting comes at a troubled time for Israel, and finds many voters saying they'll cast ballots for Netanyahu because they see no viable alternative.

Israel's hard-line policies toward the Palestinians have created mounting diplomatic isolation, the economy is slowing, and in the background is the question of whether Israel will attack Iran over its suspect nuclear program.

A smiling Netanyahu arrived early Tuesday at a heavily secured polling station in Jerusalem with his wife, Sara.

After he cast his ballot, the prime minister told reporters that a flood of ballots for his list "is good for Israel."