Israel Holds 26th Knesset Elections With Over 7 Million Eligible Voters
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Israel is holding elections for the 26th Knesset on October 27, 2026, with over 7.3 million eligible voters and 36 competing lists for 120 seats. Polling stations operate from 7 AM to 10 PM, with election day declared a holiday. Security is heightened with 20,000 personnel deployed, and preliminary results are expected by October 28.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Israel is holding elections for the 26th Knesset on October 27, 2026.
- Over 7.3 million citizens are eligible to vote for 120 parliamentary seats.
- 36 electoral lists are competing after two parties withdrew.
- Most polling stations are open from 7 AM to 10 PM.
- Election day is a national holiday with free public transport.
- Approximately 20,000 police and volunteers are ensuring security.
- Preliminary results are expected on the night of October 28.
Israel is holding elections for the 26th Knesset on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. A total of 7,331,981 citizens are eligible to vote for the 120 parliamentary seats, with 36 electoral lists competing. The Central Election Commission has prepared 12,018 regular polling stations, alongside special locations in hospitals, prisons, military bases, and other institutions.
Most polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some exceptions for smaller communities and special sites operating on reduced hours. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling stations and are required to present valid identification, such as an ID card, driver's license, or passport. Information on polling station locations is available on the Ministry of Interior's website or via the Central Election Commission's hotline.
Two parties, Benny Gantz's 'Blue and White' and 'Tnuat AHI', withdrew from the elections, meaning their ballot designations will not be used. To enter the Knesset, parties must secure at least 3.25% of the valid votes. Election day has been declared a national holiday, though essential services, continuous operation businesses, and transportation will continue to function. Free travel is offered on many intercity bus routes and trains.
Approximately 20,000 police officers, border guards, and volunteers are deployed nationwide to ensure order and security. Law enforcement will be present at and around polling stations, focusing on preventing electoral law violations, undue influence, and disinformation. Voting concludes at 10:00 PM, after which vote counting will commence. Exit poll results are expected from major television channels simultaneously, with the first official preliminary results anticipated on the night of October 28. Final results will be announced after verification of protocols and counting of votes cast in double envelopes.
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