Full coverage· Politics· Updated 12:10

Israeli Soldiers Begin Voting in 26th Knesset Elections

Voting for the 26th Knesset elections commenced on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as Israeli soldiers began casting their ballots at approximately 850 military polling stations across the country. The military voting period, which includes career and reserve personnel, will run until the general election polls close on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

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Israeli Soldiers Begin Voting in 26th Knesset Elections — Illustration by baba

What happened

01Voting for the 26th Knesset elections began on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, for Israeli military personnel.
02Approximately 850 military polling stations, including mobile units, have been established on army bases to facilitate voting.
03Military voting will continue until the general election polls close on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
04Special voting provisions are in place for soldiers in combat zones, including Gaza, and those deploying for missions.
05Overseas voting concluded at 99 Israeli missions with an 86.7% turnout, representing 4,218 voters out of 4,863 registered.
06The overseas voter turnout increased by 17.1 percentage points compared to the 25th Knesset elections.
07All soldiers' ballots will be counted using a double-envelope system to maintain anonymity after regular polls close.

To accommodate soldiers on active duty, about a quarter of the military polling stations are mobile units. Special arrangements are in place for soldiers in combat zones, such as Gaza, and those preparing for operational missions. The IDF Elections Officer, Colonel Vered Ben-Yehuda, emphasized the military's commitment to ensuring all soldiers can exercise their democratic right to a secret vote, utilizing a double-envelope system to protect voter anonymity.

Separately, the Central Elections Committee announced the conclusion of overseas voting at Israeli embassies and consulates. A total of 4,218 out of 4,863 registered voters cast their ballots across 99 Israeli missions, representing an 86.7% turnout. This is a notable increase of 17.1 percentage points from the previous Knesset election. The overseas ballots will be transported to Israel, and all soldiers' ballots will be counted by the Central Elections Committee after regular polling stations close next Tuesday.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 13:52

Latest report: Kipa. Read Kipa’s original