Elections in Israel: by 10.00, 16.6 per cent had voted – the highest turnout since 1981

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.

Nationwide voter turnout at 10.00 (9.00 in Italia) stood at around 16.68 per cent, equivalent to over 1.2 million voters. This was reported by the acting director-general of the Central Electoral Commission, Din Livneh, a lawyer. This figure is up on 2022, when turnout at the same time stood at 15.9 per cent. The Electoral Commission reports that, based on the early hours of voting, this is the highest turnout in the last 45 years. In fact, it is the highest turnout since 1981, the committee stated during a morning press conference.

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.