Voting continued across Israel with turnout substantially higher than in recent elections. By early evening, approximately 67 percent of eligible voters had cast ballots, surpassing the comparable figure from 2022 and drawing comparisons to historical participation rates. Military personnel participated at rates exceeding 68 percent. Polling stations remained open until 10pm local time, with provisions allowing those in line to continue voting past the official closing time. The Central Elections Committee rejected a request to extend voting hours further.
The elevated turnout prompted political maneuvering among major figures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on right-wing voters to participate, citing what he characterized as unprecedented turnout among Arab citizens and warning of potential left-wing government formation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly urged his supporters to vote, noting high participation among opposition voters. Political analysts suggested that higher overall turnout benefits incumbent parties due to the electoral threshold structure, which increases the vote share required to secure Knesset seats as total participation rises.
The election is widely understood as a referendum on Netanyahu’s response to the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent military operations. Polling officials and observers noted exceptionally long lines at voting locations despite challenging weather conditions, though widespread delays have prompted concerns from civil rights organizations. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel filed a complaint regarding potential voting suppression, documenting delays in at least 18 communities and noting increased police and security presence at certain polling stations in ways that might deter participation.
Arab citizens of Israel, constituting approximately 20 percent of the population, voted in notable numbers. Palestinian political figures characterized participation rates as unprecedented, while prominent left-wing politicians and Arab-led candidate lists accused right-wing figures of inflammatory rhetoric questioning the legitimacy of Arab voters. Major political leaders, including Netanyahu and rival Gadi Eisenkot, have stated they will not form coalitions with Arab parties, though theoretical scenarios suggest such groups might support minority governments to prevent Netanyahu’s continuation in office.
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