developing· Politics· Updated 13:13

Israel Gears Up for 26th Knesset Elections with Massive Logistics

Israel is entering the final days of campaigning ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The election centers on the right-wing government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is seeking a renewed public mandate, and opposition parties that have not unified behind a single leader. Opposition figures such as Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Lieberman are each working to strengthen their own political standing.

4 newsrooms · 1 language · since 24 Oct, 19:18

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Israel Gears Up for 26th Knesset Elections with Massive Logistics — Illustration by baba

What happened

01Israel will hold the elections for the 26th Knesset on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with over 7.3 million citizens eligible to vote.
02The Central Elections Committee has allocated a budget of 690 million shekels and will employ approximately 100,000 workers on election day.
03A total of 12,018 polling stations will be set up across the country, including 6,209 accessible stations.
04The committee printed 450 million ballot papers using 250 tons of paper, allocating 11.5 million ballots for each party list.
05Free public transportation will be provided on 660 intercity routes, including all Israel Railways lines, on election day.
06Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government faces an opposition whose leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Lieberman, have not unified behind a single candidate.
07A High Court ruling will prevent poll workers from reporting voter numbers in real time during the election.

The campaign is taking place amid a complex security and political landscape, including the campaign against Iran, threats from the north, the future of the Gaza Strip, and strategic relations with the United States. Domestically, public debate has focused on the justice system, the conscription of Haredi men, and the rising cost of living. Right-wing parties are working to prevent vote fragmentation to ensure a majority, while the opposition remains focused on internal leadership struggles.

To facilitate the vote, the Central Elections Committee has organized a massive logistical operation with a budget of 690 million shekels. A total of 7,331,981 eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots at 12,018 polling stations across the country. The committee has printed 450 million ballot papers, requiring 250 tons of paper, and will deploy approximately 100,000 workers and 15,000 cameras on election day to monitor integrity.

To encourage voter turnout, 660 intercity public transportation routes, including all Israel Railways lines, will be free of charge on election day. Following the elections, over 400 tons of paper and cardboard will be recycled. Additionally, a High Court ruling will restrict poll workers from reporting voter numbers in real time.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 12:52

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