developing· Politics· Updated 07:00

Israel Votes: Polls Open for 26th Knesset Elections

Israel held its 26th Knesset elections on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, with polls opening at 7:00 AM across the country. Over 7.3 million eligible voters were able to cast ballots for 36 competing party lists to determine the 120 seats in parliament. Most polling stations remained open until 10:00 PM, with initial results expected overnight and the final count anticipated by Thursday afternoon.

4 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 26 Oct, 19:29

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Israel Votes: Polls Open for 26th Knesset Elections — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01Israel held its 26th Knesset elections on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, with over 7.3 million eligible voters choosing among 36 party lists.
02A total of 12,018 polling stations were set up nationwide, with most remaining open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
03Special voting arrangements were provided for war-displaced citizens, soldiers on military bases, hospitalized patients, and prisoners.
04Free public transport, including trains and intercity buses, was provided nationwide to encourage voter turnout.
05Voter turnout reached 86.7% at the 102 polling stations set up in Israeli embassies and consulates abroad.
06Weather forecasts predicted rain, thunderstorms, and potential flash floods in the southern and central Negev, Arava, Judean Desert, and Dead Sea regions.
07The election threshold was set at 3.25% of valid votes for parties to enter the Knesset.

The election involved a massive logistical effort, employing approximately 300,000 workers across thousands of polling stations. To encourage voter turnout, the government provided free public transport nationwide, including Israel Railways services and intercity buses. Voters heading to the polls also faced challenging weather, with forecasts predicting rain, thunderstorms, and potential flash floods in the Negev, Arava, Judean Desert, and Dead Sea regions.

Special voting arrangements were implemented to ensure access for all eligible citizens. These included 55 polling stations in prisons and detention centers, and stations in hospitals with at least 50 beds. Special provisions were also made for war-displaced citizens, soldiers on military bases, and individuals with mobility impairments. Additionally, 102 polling stations were set up in Israeli embassies and consulates abroad, where voter turnout reached 86.7%.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 07:22

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