Israeli Knesset Approves New Election Law Including AI Regulations and Special Voting Provisions

The Israeli Knesset approved in its second and third readings a new election law for the 26th Knesset, with 23 members supporting and 6 opposing the bill. The legislation, proposed by the Constitution Committee, introduces several key changes to prepare the Central Elections Committee for upcoming elections amid ongoing security challenges.

Among the new provisions, the law establishes special voting arrangements for citizens displaced from their homes, allowing them to vote at designated or accessible polling stations. It also grants the chairman of the Central Elections Committee enhanced powers to manage elections during emergencies or attacks. Additional measures include easing employment rules for public authority workers on election committees, allowing remote meetings via video conferencing, and expanding the appointment of active and reserve soldiers to military polling stations.

Significantly, the law mandates disclosure in election propaganda regarding "deepfake" content created or edited using digital tools, including artificial intelligence. It also reduces the withholding tax on employees during the election period from 25% to 18%. The explanatory notes highlight the ongoing security situation since October 7, 2023, and the need for legislative adjustments to address voting challenges for displaced citizens during declared emergency states under the Civil Defense Law.

These reforms aim to ensure election integrity and accessibility under exceptional security conditions, with the next general elections scheduled for 2026.