Israel elections 2026 LIVE: Voter turnout highest since 1996

The vote will determine the composition of the 120-member Knesset, with 61 seats needed for a majority.

Israelis began voting on Tuesday, October 27, as the country holds its general election for the 26th Knesset, its parliament. The election is being described as among the most consequential in Israel’s history, taking place amid scrutiny of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, the impact of the war in the Gaza Strip and divisions over the country’s security and political future. It is the first parliamentary election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023.

Netanyahu is seeking another term, facing opposition figures including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. Voters will elect representatives to the 120-member Knesset, with a party or coalition needing at least 61 seats to secure a parliamentary majority and form a government.

More than 7.3 million voters are eligible to vote at 12,018 polling stations, with 100,000 personnel overseeing the process. According to Israel’s Central Elections Committee, the election budget is NIS 690 million (USD 223.3 million), and 450 million ballot papers have been printed. Around 810,000 eligible voters live abroad, but an estimated 67,000 are expected to return for the election.

Polling stations are scheduled to remain open until 10 pm local time, while centres in communities with up to 350 eligible voters will operate from 8 am to 8 pm.

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