Israeli Supreme Court Rejects Petition to Open Polling Stations in Nursing Homes on Election Day

The Israeli Supreme Court (High Court of Justice) reviewed petitions on Tuesday demanding the opening of polling stations within nursing homes for elderly residents on election day. One petition was filed by 56 elderly citizens residing in a nursing home against the Knesset, the Central Elections Committee, and the government legal advisor. Another petition came from the Association of Elderly Organizations in Israel and the Marva Association. The court accepted the state's declaration that accessible polling stations would be set up to serve elderly voters, replacing the polling stations that would be removed. However, the justices requested an update within six days detailing a sufficient plan to accommodate these voters.

Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit criticized the decision, stating, "This is the first time the Knesset has reduced the public's ability to vote." Meanwhile, Justices Knafi Steinitz and Groskopf questioned the court's authority to intervene in this matter. The petitions were ultimately rejected, but the court emphasized the need for a clear and adequate framework to ensure elderly voters' access to polling stations.