Israel's 26th Knesset Election Begins With Over 7.3 Million Voters

Voting for Israel's 26th Knesset election commenced on Tuesday, October 27, with over 7.3 million eligible voters participating. A total of 7,331,981 Israelis are registered to cast ballots at 12,018 polling stations nationwide. Approximately 330,000 of these voters are first-time voters. Most polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with some operating on a reduced schedule from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters are required to present valid identification, but their voter ID cards are not necessary.

The Central Elections Committee refuted social media claims that Likud representatives were monitoring voters and transmitting their information via an application. "At this stage, the Committee has not received any reports of such practices," the committee stated. An isolated incident occurred at a polling station in Moshav Yarhiv, where a local election committee member took photographs. Upon being informed of the regulations, she acknowledged her mistake and immediately stopped. The committee reported that over 95% of polling stations opened on time, though occasional delays are not unusual. The interim director general of the Central Elections Committee described the day as the "culmination of long months of intensive work" and a "celebration of Israeli democracy." The committee urged citizens to be wary of rumors and misinformation on social media and to rely on official sources, also requesting patience and respect for polling station staff.