Israeli Politicians Campaign at Polls on Election Day

Israeli politicians took to the streets on election day for the 26th Knesset, visiting polling stations and campaign hubs to deliver final messages to voters. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Tali Gottlieb visited the Supreme Court, with Ben-Gvir advocating for his party's success to prevent a government led by Gadi Eisenkot where Efrat Reiten would serve as Justice Minister. Ben-Gvir stated, "We want Netanyahu as prime minister, but we must make a change in the system. Tali Gottlieb should be the Justice Minister of the State of Israel." Gottlieb pledged to continue Ben-Gvir's assertive approach in the Justice Ministry, asserting, "We will do the same in the Justice Ministry, without bowing our heads and without fear, with the security and resilience of the country in mind." Ben-Gvir directly addressed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, saying, "Gali, get ready, because Tali will fire you."

Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Change bloc, began his election day at the entrance to Kibbutz Nir Oz, severely impacted by the October 7th Hamas attack. He recalled the kibbutz's 65 residents killed and 70 taken hostage, meeting with former hostage Gadi Moses. Eisenkot criticized the government's handling of security since the attack, stating, "If anyone in the government had a shred of responsibility, they would start the morning here, in the Gaza envelope. Three years after the failure, they continue to flee responsibility." He also committed to dismantling Hamas's military-governance power within 18 months of forming a government and pledged to rebuild the Gaza envelope region and lead Israel to a new path of repair and healing.

Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock toured polling stations in Rahat, observing voter turnout. She reported hearing residents express a desire to "change the government." Strock urged right-wing supporters to vote, emphasizing, "This turnout must wake us up. Go vote! Get everyone to vote! And don't throw any ballot in the trash. The State of Israel is truly in danger!" This effort by coalition parties aims to mobilize their voters amid concerns about how turnout will affect election results.