Election Day Incidents: Ballot Tampering and Clashes Reported Across Israel

Multiple incidents of alleged ballot tampering and voter intimidation were reported on election day, primarily affecting the new ultra-Orthodox party "Ha-Tzibur Ha-Charedi" (referred to by the Hebrew letter "Zah"). The party claimed its ballots were disappearing from polling stations in Bnei Brak, Modiin Illit, and Jerusalem, forcing voters to seek assistance from commission members. Observers noted that entire stacks of "Zah" ballots vanished within seconds in Modiin Illit. The "Civil Election Watch" organization reported 23 complaints from 20 polling stations in these cities, alleging that "Zah" ballots were taken in bulk or hidden under other parties' ballots. The Central Election Commission stated it had no data on systematic ballot destruction but was investigating individual reports.

Other parties also reported issues. The "Yashar!" party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, claimed systematic attempts to spoil ballots. "Yisrael Beiteinu," "Reservists," and "Amcha Yisrael" filed similar complaints with the Central Election Commission. "Ha-Tzibur Ha-Charedi" also reported vandalism of its campaign stands in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, and Beitar Illit, with activists claiming attacks and damage near polling stations. Complaints were filed with the police and the Central Election Commission.

Physical altercations and disturbances were also reported. In Tiberias, a man allegedly tore down posters from multiple parties, including "Behad," Yisrael Beiteinu, and "Yashar!" When an activist tried to intervene, he reportedly pushed and threatened her. In Haifa, a clash occurred between Yaniv Ben-Shoshan, a member of the city council and head of the Likud faction, and activists from the "Democrats" party, with the latter claiming Ben-Shoshan pushed an activist. A video circulating online showed a confrontation outside a polling station in Holon, where an individual allegedly assaulted two "Democrats" party activists, knocking one down. The suspect was later apprehended.

In Kiryat Ye'arim, a dispute arose over alleged intentional slowing of the voting process, prompting the arrival of the local council head, police, and Central Election Commission representatives. A fight broke out at a polling station in Rahat between members of two feuding families, resulting in several arrests. Separately, police detained three residents of Bedouin settlements in the Negev on suspicion of attempting to bribe voters for the Ra'am party. During searches, envelopes, ballots, and money were found. Two suspects had their detention extended, while the third was released under restrictive conditions. Ra'am denied the accusations, calling the detentions an attempt to disrupt their participation in the elections. The party also reported a shortage of Arabic ballots in several towns and the discovery of torn ballots.

In Netanya, a video surfaced showing a government supporter verbally abusing Rubi Hen, the father of a fallen soldier, outside a polling station.