Overseas Voting Begins for Israel's 26th Knesset Elections

Voting for Israel's 26th Knesset elections has commenced abroad, with the first ballot box opening at the Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. This marks the beginning of the voting process for Israeli representatives serving worldwide. Over the next 24 hours, more than 4,800 eligible voters, including diplomats, state envoys, and their qualifying family members, will cast their ballots at 101 Israeli missions globally, ahead of the election day in Israel. New Zealand is the first mission to open polls, followed by others across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Notably, the Israeli Embassy in Fiji will participate in voting for the first time. The voting period will last approximately 24 hours, concluding at the Israeli consulates in Los Angeles and San Francisco on Friday at 6:00 AM Israel time. After polls close, ballot envelopes will be transported to Israel via diplomatic mail under strict security protocols for counting as part of the "double envelope" process. It is important to note that this overseas voting is exclusively for state employees and envoys serving abroad and their eligible family members, not for Israeli citizens residing overseas for tourism, study, or private work. Meanwhile, preparations continue in Israel for the election day, scheduled for less than two weeks from now on Tuesday, November 17th, 2026.