IDF Votes Surge to 68% Amidst Long Lines and Delays

As of 5:00 PM, 68% of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers had cast their ballots in the 26th Knesset elections, marking a three-percentage-point increase compared to the previous election cycle at the same hour. This high turnout reflects significant soldier participation despite operational and logistical challenges inherent in conducting elections on military bases. However, the high participation rates were accompanied by reports of unusual congestion at several polling stations. At the Jalameh base, south of Afula, soldiers reported waiting over two hours to vote due to extensive queues. In response to these significant delays, an additional ballot box was established at the base to alleviate the burden and ensure soldiers could exercise their democratic right. The IDF stated they were unaware of similar incidents at other bases, though a roughly 90-minute wait was reported at another base in central Israel. Over 850 permanent polling stations were set up across IDF bases for the elections. Additionally, mobile polling stations were deployed to outposts and forces stationed in the field, enabling even soldiers far from voting centers to participate. This extensive preparation aimed to ensure that security missions and operational activities would not prevent service members from voting. The latest figures indicate substantial participation by IDF soldiers in the democratic decision-making process, alongside the need for swift responses to the congestion observed at some bases.