Israel election turnout highest in 50 years as voting continues
News Source
β’Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:20:48 +0000
π° What Happened
By 6pm on Tuesday, 66.7% of eligible Israeli voters had cast a ballot, the Central Elections Committee said. That was far above the 57.7% recorded at the same time in 2022.
Turnout among soldiers passed 68% by 5pm. Polling stations had long lines despite rain and flood warnings. Polls were due to close at 10pm, and anyone still waiting could vote.
Right-wing minister Bezalel Smotrich urged supporters to vote, saying turnout in the Arab sector was 'unprecedented'. Netanyahu called it a 'fateful moment'.
π The Backstory
The election is widely seen as a vote on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks and the wars that followed.
Turnout could pass the record set in 1973, when Israel fought a surprise war with Egypt and Syria. Pollster Mitchell Barak said high turnout usually helps incumbent parties.
Palestinian citizens are about 20% of the population. A rights group complained about delays at polling stations in at least 18 communities.
π― Why It Matters
Turnout decides who leads a country at war, and the result affects ceasefire talks, oil prices and security across the region.
By 6pm on Tuesday, 66.7% of eligible Israeli voters had cast a ballot, the Central Elections Committee said. That was far above the 57.7% recorded at the same time in 2022.
Turnout among soldiers passed 68% by 5pm. Polling stations had long lines despite rain and flood warnings. Polls were due to close at 10pm, and anyone still waiting could vote.
Right-wing minister Bezalel Smotrich urged supporters to vote, saying turnout in the Arab sector was 'unprecedented'. Netanyahu called it a 'fateful moment'.
The election is widely seen as a vote on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks and the wars that followed.
Turnout could pass the record set in 1973, when Israel fought a surprise war with Egypt and Syria. Pollster Mitchell Barak said high turnout usually helps incumbent parties.
Palestinian citizens are about 20% of the population. A rights group complained about delays at polling stations in at least 18 communities.
Turnout decides who leads a country at war, and the result affects ceasefire talks, oil prices and security across the region.