95 per cent of polling stations have opened in Israel. But the army has launched an operation in Nablus

Today, 27 October, is election day in Israel for the renewal of the Knesset, the parliament whose 120 members subsequently elect the government. Israel’s Central Elections Committee has stated that over 95 per cent of polling stations across the country have reported that they have opened. Although there may have been delays in the opening of some polling stations, the fact that some venues have not yet sent reports does not necessarily mean that they have not yet opened, the Committee clarified.

There are 12,018 polling stations for the elections, which involve 7,331,981 eligible voters. Polling continues until 10.00 pm local time (9.00 pm in Italia). Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal have already cast their votes in the Rehavia neighbourhood of Jerusalem.

There are 36 lists vying for the 120 seats in the Knesset. To be precise, 12,018 polling stations are open today for the 7,331,981 eligible voters. In small towns with up to 350 voters, polling stations remain open from 8 am to 8 pm. The same opening hours apply to certain special polling stations, such as hospitals, care homes and prisons.

Israelis are heading to the polls for a crucial election, with the country embroiled in ongoing conflicts and divisions over its future. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a charismatic opponent, former Chief of the General Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Polls suggest it is unlikely that either candidate’s party will secure enough support for a parliamentary majority; this could lead to weeks of negotiations to form a winning coalition. This is the first national election in Israel since the attacks of 7 October and effectively constitutes a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership and his record in recent years. The outcome could determine Israel’s future identity, steering it towards a more nationalist and religious direction, or towards a liberal-democratic outlook.

Even on polling day, however, there is no respite. The Israeli Defence Forces, the Border Police and the Shin Bet launched an operation overnight in the Nablus area “to combat terrorism, as part of a large-scale operation set to take place in the region over the coming days” The operation involves the destruction of monuments inciting terrorism, the arrest of individuals wanted for arms trafficking and terrorism, the interrogation of suspects and the search of buildings where there is evidence of weapons. According to Palestinian sources, the IDF has begun demolishing the ‘martyrs’ monument’ in the village of Rujeib, east of Nablus, which commemorates the names of terrorists.