IDF Soldiers Begin Voting for 26th Knesset Elections

Voting for Israel's 26th Knesset elections commenced on Wednesday at military polling stations across all IDF bases and outposts. From the Hermon in the north to Eilat in the south, and along the borders with Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, soldiers and commanders began casting their ballots. The IDF reported that over 850 military polling stations have been set up to facilitate voting for all service members. Voting will continue until the general election polls close, subject to operational needs. Approximately 200 of these stations will be mobile, ensuring access for both conscripted soldiers and active reservists in any location or mission, including those engaged in combat operations beyond Israeli borders. This extensive system is described as unprecedented.

The IDF Elections Officer, Colonel Verd Ben Yehuda, stated that the mission is to enable all IDF personnel to exercise their democratic right to a secret ballot, even during operational activities and combat. She emphasized that the IDF is a national army committed to ensuring the elections proceed smoothly. The early military voting takes place concurrently with the broader national election preparations. The Central Elections Committee has completed printing approximately 450 million ballots for the country's 7.3 million eligible voters, who will use 12,018 polling stations nationwide. The general election for the 26th Knesset is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Until then, IDF soldiers will continue to vote at military polling stations while maintaining operational and security missions.