Israeli Politicians Cast Votes in 26th Knesset Elections
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israeli politicians and public figures, including President Isaac Herzog and MKs from various parties, cast their votes in the 26th Knesset elections. Key figures like Arieh Deri and Itamar Ben-Gvir urged high turnout, framing the election as crucial for Israel's Jewish character and security. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and Minister Shlomo Karai also voted and made public appeals. Polling stations opened Tuesday morning, with over 7.3 million eligible voters participating.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli politicians and public figures voted in the 26th Knesset elections on Tuesday.
- Arieh Deri warned of "danger to Judaism" and urged high voter turnout.
- President Isaac Herzog and former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef cast their votes.
- Ministers Shlomo Karai and Itamar Ben-Gvir also voted and appealed to the public.
- Deputy Minister Almog Cohen called on voters to support Likud.
- Over 7.3 million eligible voters are registered for the elections.
Israeli lawmakers, ministers, and public figures cast their ballots across the country on Tuesday for the 26th Knesset elections. Among the early voters were Shas Chairman Arieh Deri in Jerusalem, Am Ech Israel Chairman Ofer Winter in Mizpe Netofa, Deputy Minister Almog Cohen in Ofakim, and MK Gilad Kariv in Givatayim.
President Isaac Herzog also voted in Jerusalem, while former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef cast his ballot accompanied by MK Yonah Shariki. Many public officials urged citizens to participate in the elections.
Arieh Deri described the election as a struggle for the Jewish character of Israel, warning of "danger to Judaism" and urging high voter turnout, particularly in what he perceived as left-wing and Arab strongholds. He claimed that "tens of thousands" had arrived from abroad to vote against the current government and Torah values, necessitating a strong counter-effort.
Ofer Winter called for unity and participation, stating, "For the sake of the people of Israel, for the sake of the eternity of Israel, for the sake of the unity of Israel." Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, voting with his family in Ofakim, urged residents of the South and Negev to vote for Likud, asserting that "only a strong right will ensure the continued existence of the Jewish state."
Minister of Communications Shlomo Karai invoked the Rambam's teaching "He who can save and does not save transgresses 'You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor'" to emphasize the importance of voting for the nation's security and future. He called for voting for the "true right."
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir voted in Kiryat Arba, emphasizing the potential for victory and warning that the alternative would be a government led by Mansour Abbas. He stated his intention for his party to be the "right-wing marker" in a Netanyahu-led government.
Other notable voters included Noam Party candidate Shimon Tobol in Beersheba, MK Vladimir Beliak, and former MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen, who shared images from polling stations and encouraged continued participation. Yosef Haddad also voted, expressing confidence in his party becoming a "surprise of the elections."
According to the Central Elections Committee, 7,331,981 eligible voters are registered. Regular polling stations opened at 7:00 AM and will close at 10:00 PM, with some operating on a shortened schedule from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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