Israel Election Authority to Consider Likud Request to Extend Voting Hours

Several parties joined Likud's request, including Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and the Amcha Israel party led by Ofer Vinter. These parties argued that the exceptional crowds and waiting times at polling stations nationwide could disenfranchise voters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged supporters to vote, framing the election as a choice between a strong right-wing government and a left-wing government supported by Arab parties.

Conversely, the Yisrael Beiteinu party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, strongly opposed the extension, asserting that no exceptional circumstances had occurred to justify the request. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of spreading lies and using fear-mongering tactics to mobilize voters and lay the groundwork for challenging the election's integrity. Yesh Atid representative Vladimir Belyak was also expected to oppose the measure.

The Central Elections Committee presidency, which includes Justice Sohlberg and representatives from Likud, Shas, Yesh Atid, and National Unity, scheduled an unusual session to debate the request. While Israeli law allows the committee chairman to extend voting under exceptional circumstances, such as severe security threats, nationwide extensions are rare and logistically challenging. The committee clarified that any voters already in line by 10:00 PM would be permitted to cast their ballots.