Voter Turnout Surges Across Israel, Not Just in Arab Communities
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Voter turnout in the 2026 Israeli elections saw a dramatic increase across the country, extending beyond the Arab community. Arab towns like Sakhnin and Rahat reported significant surges, while Likud-aligned cities such as Afula and Sderot also saw higher participation. Central Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Kfar Saba also experienced increased turnout, though some Haredi cities like Beitar Illit and El'ad saw a decline.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Voter turnout surged dramatically across Israel in the 2026 elections.
- Significant increases were observed in Arab communities, with Sakhnin reaching 86.9%.
- Likud-aligned cities like Afula and Sderot also saw notable rises in participation.
- Central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, reported higher voter engagement.
- Some Haredi cities, such as Beitar Illit, experienced a decrease in turnout.
Election results from 2026 are expected to be remembered for a dramatic increase in voter turnout across Israel, with notable surges particularly within the Arab community. However, the data reveals this trend extended beyond Arab towns, with significant participation increases also observed in cities typically associated with the Likud party and other locations nationwide, potentially impacting the final outcomes.
Several Arab towns saw the most striking rises. Sakhnin recorded an 86.9% turnout, a jump from under 70% in the previous election. Rahat experienced a 35.3% increase, reaching 82% participation, while Kafr Qara saw a 32.6% rise to 82.5%. Tamra and Kafr Mandah also reported a 31% increase.
The surge was also evident in Likud-leaning cities. In Afula, turnout climbed from 63.3% to 71.1%. Sderot saw an increase from 65.6% to 72%, and Ofakim registered a rise from 68.6% to 74.6%. Eilat also noted an 18.6% increase, reaching 51% turnout.
Central Israel also witnessed higher participation rates. Tel Aviv-Yafo's turnout rose from 59.6% to 65.4%, with Hod HaSharon and Ramat HaSharon seeing gains of over six percentage points. Kfar Saba reached 74.4% and Givatayim 74.3%.
Among the larger cities, Petah Tikva reported 73% turnout, Rishon LeZion 71.4%, Holon 69%, Ashdod 67.8%, Jerusalem 65.9%, Be'er Sheva 65.8%, Haifa 61.62%, and Netanya 60.2%.
The picture was more mixed in Haredi cities. Bnei Brak's turnout edged up from 76.5% in 2022 to 77% in the current election, and Modi'in Illit saw an increase from 82% to 83%. Conversely, Beitar Illit and El'ad experienced a decrease in voter participation compared to the previous elections.
