Voter Turnout High in Israeli Elections, Especially in Haredi Cities
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
National voter turnout in Israel reached a historic 66.7% by 6:00 PM on election day. Haredi cities like Rekhasim (75.4%) and Elad (71.2%) showed the highest participation rates. Secular cities, including Tel Aviv (58.6%) and Herzliya (63.1%), also saw significant turnout. MK Yaakov Asher encouraged voting, while Dudi Zaltz rushed to Beitar Illit.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- National voter turnout hit a historic 66.7% by 6:00 PM on election day.
- Haredi cities like Rekhasim and Elad reported the highest voter turnout rates.
- Secular cities, often identified with the left, showed significant but lower turnout.
- MK Yaakov Asher urged citizens not to refrain from voting.
- Dudi Zaltz, Director of the Information Directorate, urgently returned to Beitar Illit.
As of 6:00 PM on election day, national voter turnout reached a historic high of 66.7%, according to the Central Elections Committee. The key question was whether this dramatic increase was concentrated in left-leaning strongholds or in right-wing and Haredi areas. Data indicates that Haredi cities saw particularly high participation rates. For example, Rekhasim reported 75.4% turnout, Elad 71.2%, and Modi'in Illit 69.8%. Other Haredi cities also showed strong engagement: Bnei Brak at 64.3%, Beitar Illit at 63.6%, and Emmanuel at 65.9%. Jerusalem recorded 55.3% turnout, and Beit Shemesh 57%.
In contrast, major secular cities, often identified with the left, showed generally lower, though still significant, turnout. Tel Aviv had 58.6%, Herzliya 63.1%, Ramat Gan 61.9%, Ra'anana 62.8%, and Petah Tikva 63.1%. Ramat Hasharon reported 67.8% and Caesarea 61.8%.
Amidst the voting, MK Yaakov Asher urged citizens to vote, stating, "He who sits at home violates the commandment 'You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.'" Separately, Dudi Zaltz, Director of the Information Directorate, reportedly left everything to urgently return to Beitar Illit, with a plea of "Gevald!" (a Yiddish exclamation of distress).
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