Israel Opens Polls for 26th Knesset Elections

By אפרת ברינר

Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba

RightNeutral tone

Hebrew · 6 newsrooms covering

Israel opened polls Tuesday for the 26th Knesset elections, with over 7.3 million eligible voters casting ballots at 12,018 stations. Special arrangements are in place for hospitalized patients, prisoners, and those with disabilities. Most polls close at 10:00 PM, with results expected within eight days. The 3.25% electoral threshold will be a critical factor in determining Knesset representation.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Over 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the 26th Knesset elections.
12,018 polling stations are open across Israel, with special provisions for various groups.
Most polling stations will close at 10:00 PM, with preliminary results expected overnight.
Special voting arrangements are available for hospitalized patients, prisoners, and people with disabilities.
The 3.25% electoral threshold will be crucial in determining Knesset representation.

Israel Opens Polls for 26th Knesset Elections — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Polling stations across Israel opened Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM for the 26th Knesset elections, allowing over 7.3 million eligible voters to cast their ballots. This marks an increase of more than half a million voters since the previous election in November 2022. A total of 12,018 polling stations have been set up nationwide, with special arrangements in place for hospitalized patients, prisoners, and individuals with disabilities.

Most polling stations will remain open until 10:00 PM, though some in smaller communities and specific institutions will close earlier at 8:00 PM. Voters are required to present valid identification, such as an ID card, driver's license, or passport. For those unsure of their polling station location, the Interior Ministry's election intelligence service can provide information.

Special provisions are being made for various groups. Approximately 250 polling stations are located in hospitals, 55 in prisons and detention centers, and 102 at Israeli diplomatic missions abroad, where voting has already concluded with an 86.7% turnout. Additionally, arrangements have been made for around five communities of evacuees.

For individuals with mobility issues, 6,208 polling stations are accessible, including 3,620 specially designated ones that allow voting even if the individual is registered elsewhere. The election results are expected to be announced officially within eight days, though preliminary results are anticipated overnight. A key factor in determining the Knesset's composition will be the 3.25% electoral threshold, which parties must surpass to gain representation.