Full coverage· Economy· Updated 18:54

Israelis Flock to Shopping and Leisure on Election Day, Shattering Spending Records

Israeli consumers turned the Knesset election day on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, into a major shopping and leisure event, driving credit card spending to record levels across the country. By the afternoon, total expenditures on debit cards reached approximately 1.141 billion shekels, representing a 41.2% increase compared to the 2022 national elections and a 12.9% rise compared to the local elections in early 2024.

3 newsrooms · 1 language · since 11:58

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Israelis Flock to Shopping and Leisure on Election Day, Shattering Spending Records — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01Israeli credit card spending reached 1.141 billion shekels by Tuesday afternoon, a 41.2% increase from the 2022 elections.
02Morning expenditures between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM rose 26.5% to 250.78 million shekels compared to the 2022 vote.
03The fashion sector saw a 198% increase in transaction volume on election day morning, with average transaction amounts rising 17%.
04Credit card transactions peaked at 12:40 PM with over 15,500 transactions totaling 3.61 million shekels in a single minute.
05Food delivery services experienced a sharp 78% decline in transactions as consumers preferred dining out and physical shopping.
06Physical stores accounted for 66% of all transactions, with the national average expenditure per card reaching 310 shekels.
07Residents of the Galilee and the Valleys spent the highest average amount on election day, averaging 340 shekels per card.

According to data from national payment system operator Shva, morning spending between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM rose 26.5% to 250.78 million shekels. Peak transaction volume occurred in the afternoon, with a peak minute recorded at 12:40 PM that saw over 15,500 transactions totaling 3.61 million shekels. An earlier peak was recorded at 10:57 AM with over 11,300 transactions.

The fashion and apparel sector experienced the most dramatic surge, with transaction volumes jumping 198% on election day morning according to Calcalist, and MAX reporting a 93% rise in apparel purchases by late afternoon. While restaurant transactions and average spending rose significantly, food delivery services experienced a sharp 78% decline in transactions. Physical stores were highly preferred, accounting for 66% of transactions, with the highest average spending of 340 shekels recorded among residents of the Galilee and the Valleys.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 19:11

Latest report: Maariv. Read Maariv’s original