Israel Holds 26th Knesset Elections With 7.3 Million Eligible Voters
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Israel held elections for the 26th Knesset on October 27, 2026, with over 7.3 million citizens eligible to vote for 36 parties vying for 120 seats. Polling stations opened nationwide at 7:00 AM, with results expected to determine the next government. Official results are slated for release on November 4, following ballot counting and exit polls.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Over 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the 26th Knesset elections held on October 27, 2026.
- Thirty-six parties are competing for the 120 seats in the Israeli parliament.
- Polling stations opened across Israel at 7:00 AM, with most closing at 10:00 PM.
- Free public transportation is provided for voters on trains and intercity buses.
- Preliminary results are expected overnight, with official results due by November 4.
Israel is holding elections for the 26th Knesset on October 27, 2026, with 7,331,981 citizens eligible to vote. A total of 36 party lists are competing for the 120 seats in parliament. The results will determine which political forces gain representation and can participate in forming the next government. According to the Central Elections Committee, 12,018 polling stations opened nationwide at 7:00 AM. Approximately 100,000 staff, 18,000 ballot boxes, and 450 million ballots were prepared. The infrastructure includes 6,209 accessible polling stations for people with disabilities. Most stations will operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while smaller locations, hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes will have reduced hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The Central Elections Committee will begin releasing national turnout data at 11:00 AM, with updates every two hours. Station-specific statistics will be published four times daily. Polling day is a national holiday, and travel on Israel Railways and intercity buses over 15 kilometers is free from 8:00 PM the previous day until public transport concludes. Voting for diplomats and consulate staff abroad concluded before election day, with some overseas polling stations opening earlier.
Ballot counting will commence after polls close at 10:00 PM. Results will be processed at each station, with protocols sent to regional commissions for verification. Ballots arriving indirectly will undergo a check for duplicate voting before being counted. The first television exit polls are expected after closing, with preliminary results possibly available overnight. Official results are scheduled for release on November 4.
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