Politics

Israel Records Highest Voter Turnout in Decades as Netanyahu Faces Tight Race

By AFP

On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Israeli voters turned out in record numbers for the first election since the October 7, 2023 attack. The Central Elections Committee reported a turnout of 44.9% by 2:00 p.m. (1200 GMT), the highest figure recorded since 1973. The electorate, divided over security and accountability, cast ballots amid the lingering trauma of the attack and ongoing regional conflicts.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 77, expressed concern over high participation among Israel’s Arab minority and warned of attempts to "steal the election," echoing remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump. He urged voters to support his right‑wing Likud party, citing fears that left‑leaning and Arab parties could threaten the Jewish state.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, 66, a former military chief and centrist newcomer, ran a close campaign against Netanyahu. Eisenkot’s Yashar party warned that Netanyahu was "laying the groundwork to challenge the results" of the election. Before voting, Eisenkot paid respects at the grave of his son, Gal, who died fighting in Gaza.

The election saw tens of thousands of Israelis travel from abroad, including Eilana Zisblit, 55, who returned from Canada to vote for a centre‑right party in Eisenkot’s bloc. She said the country was heading in a "really bad direction" for both Jews and Arabs.

Security incidents were reported on election day. The Central Elections Committee’s acting director general, Dean Livne, said police had caught individuals attempting to bribe voters, a localized case under investigation. In Tel Aviv, a man with a knife was arrested after threatening the leader of the Democrats, Yair Golan, who said the incident was part of a "poison machine" linked to Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, who returned to power in December 2022 with far‑right allies, has led multiple wars since October 7, including operations in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and against Iran with U.S. support. He has been accused of playing games with security.

Most polling stations closed at 10:00 p.m. (2000 GMT). Final results are expected to take days to be fully reported. With no single party close to the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120‑member Knesset, coalition negotiations could take weeks or months, and new elections may be called if talks fail.

Published – October 27, 2026 10:34 p.m. IST