Israel Deploys Nearly 22,000 Police for Election Day Amid Security Fears

Israeli security forces and police are finalizing unprecedented preparations for election day, deploying nearly 22,000 officers nationwide. This represents an increase of approximately 5,000 officers compared to previous elections, driven by specific terror threat warnings and significant concerns about widespread public disturbances. As part of the security plan, officers will be stationed at nearly all polling station clusters, with a special focus on sensitive locations within the Arab and Haredi communities, where one to two officers will be present at each polling station. An additional reserve force of about 700 officers is on standby for immediate deployment to areas of tension. In response to targeted terror alerts, checkpoints will be established at the entrances to major cities. Lessons learned from past events have led to the unusual deployment of elite counter-terrorism unit fighters, including the Yamam and Gideonim, to provide immediate operational response in cases of unfolding terror incidents or infiltrations.

According to a senior police official, concerns about organized disturbances were raised during a meeting with the Inspector General. The police have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any attempts to block roads or disrupt access to polling stations, stating, "There is no leniency and no agreements. You have two minutes to disperse, and if not, evacuation will be carried out by all means." While the police anticipate election day itself may pass relatively peacefully, they express deep concern about potential events immediately following the publication of exit polls and results. The senior official concluded, "Election day is sensitive, but what might happen the day after should concern us no less."