Israel Holds 26th Knesset Elections Amidst Gaza War

Israel is holding its 26th Knesset elections on Tuesday, with polling stations opening at 7 AM and closing at 10 PM local time. This marks the first parliamentary election since the events of October 7, 2023, and the war in the Gaza Strip. A total of 36 electoral lists are competing for the 120 parliamentary seats. Approximately 7.33 million eligible voters are registered, according to the Israeli Central Elections Committee. Two Arab lists are participating: the Joint List, headed by Professor Yousef Jabareen, and the United List, led by Dr. Mansour Abbas. The elections are taking place on a public holiday, with special hours for small towns and certain institutions. Television channels are expected to release exit polls immediately after polls close, coinciding with the start of vote counting.

The elections operate under a proportional representation system with closed lists, where voters choose a party list rather than directly voting for the prime minister. A 3.25% threshold of valid votes is required to enter the Knesset, and a government coalition needs 61 seats for a parliamentary majority. All Israeli citizens aged 18 and over, listed in the voter registry, are eligible, including Arab citizens. Permanent residency in East Jerusalem does not grant voting rights without Israeli citizenship.

The number of eligible voters has increased by 543,177 compared to the previous election, reaching 7,331,981. Around 6.5 million eligible voters reside in Israel, while approximately 810,000 live abroad. The number of eligible voters residing in Israel has grown by 5.4% since the 25th Knesset elections in November 2022.

Jews constitute about 77% of eligible voters in Israel, including 13.6% ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) voters. Arab citizens represent about 18% of eligible voters, approximately 1.172 million. The elections are being conducted across 12,018 polling stations with nearly 18,000 ballot boxes. Special accommodations have been made for people with disabilities, and free public transportation is available on 660 intercity routes and all Israeli railways.

Preparations for the election involved printing around 450 million ballot papers. The Central Elections Committee's staff expands from about 40 employees to 1,200 during the election period, reaching nearly 100,000 staff on election day. Approximately 15,000 cameras are deployed to monitor the integrity of the elections. The budget for the 26th Knesset elections is approximately 690 million shekels.

Official results are expected by November 4, though they may be announced earlier. Following the results, the Israeli President consults with party representatives before tasking a Knesset member with forming a government. The initial mandate is for 28 days, extendable by another 14 days. Forming a government depends on political consultations and a candidate's ability to secure a majority in the Knesset.