Israel Election Updates: Vote Counting, Expat Ballots, and Political Interference Concerns

Approximately 6.5 million of Israel's 7.3 million eligible voters reside within the country, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. With no provision for absentee ballots within Israel, an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 citizens traveled from abroad to cast their votes.

President Isaac Herzog stated he will not be influenced by Donald Trump when deciding whom to task with forming a new government. Herzog clarified this after the US President again advocated for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued tenure. "I don't believe the President of the United States or anyone else can interfere with my discretion. My decision must be based on specific facts, and we will see what facts are available," Herzog said, emphasizing that while he respects Trump immensely, the decision rests solely with him.

A significant number of "double envelope" votes could still impact the Knesset's seat distribution. This voting method is for individuals unable to vote at their designated polling station. Ballots are placed in an anonymous envelope, which is then put into a second envelope containing the voter's personal details. After election authorities verify the voter has not already cast a ballot, the inner envelope is opened, and the vote is included in the national count. The Central Election Commission anticipates up to 650,000 such votes from soldiers, reservists, police, diplomats, prison staff, hospital patients, and war evacuees. This is largely due to a substantial increase in voter turnout among soldiers and reservists, estimated at around 80 percent. As these votes require manual cross-referencing with official voter rolls, their counting will extend into the week. Official results are expected by November 4, with parties having until November 18 to file appeals.

Several opposition politicians and campaign workers reported being attacked or threatened on election day. One man approached Yair Golan, head of the Democrats, with a knife, two of his party's activists were assaulted, and the father of a fallen soldier was verbally abused. In the ultra-Orthodox community, an alternative party reported intimidation and threats against family members. Despite these incidents, the election proceeded peacefully for the vast majority of Israelis, though the confrontations highlighted the heated political atmosphere.

Israeli media reported that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir's rejection of a military operation against Iran, as requested by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz before the election, could cost him his job if Netanyahu remains in office. The Prime Minister, however, dismissed these reports as false.