Israelis vote in high-turnout election as polls close

Israel’s general election concluded on Tuesday after a surge in voter participation, with the contest set to determine the composition of parliament and the country’s next government.

The election marks Israel’s first parliamentary vote since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent conflicts across the Middle East. The campaign focused heavily on national security, military service, judicial reform, the cost of living and the future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.

According to Israel’s Central Elections Committee, voter turnout reached 74.3 per cent by 8pm local time, with 5,449,277 people having cast their ballots. The figure was significantly higher than the 66.3 per cent recorded at the same point during the 2022 election.

Earlier estimates also indicated exceptionally strong participation, particularly in several Arab-majority communities. The increased turnout could affect the distribution of seats among the main political blocs and smaller parties, although the final impact will depend on the official results.

Netanyahu’s Likud party is seeking to retain power, while former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and other opposition figures are campaigning for political change. The election has been widely viewed as a test of public confidence in Netanyahu following the security failures surrounding the October 2023 attacks and the conflicts that followed.

Other major campaign issues included proposals to reform the judicial system and the longstanding exemption from compulsory military service for many ultra-Orthodox Jewish men studying in religious institutions. Rising food and housing costs also featured prominently in the campaign.

Netanyahu’s supporters highlighted his government’s security policies and military actions, while opposition parties questioned its handling of the October 7 attacks and called for changes in governance. The competing positions made security and the country’s democratic institutions central themes of the election.

Israel’s parliamentary system makes coalition-building essential. The Knesset has 120 seats, and a government requires the support of at least 61 lawmakers to secure a parliamentary majority. No single party has ever won an outright majority, giving smaller parties considerable influence during negotiations.

If neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition can assemble a majority, coalition talks could extend for weeks or months. President Isaac Herzog will have a role in determining which party leader receives the opportunity to form a government. Netanyahu would remain caretaker prime minister while the process continues.

The Central Elections Committee declined requests to extend voting hours, saying the circumstances did not justify additional time. The decision followed calls from Likud and other right-wing parties for polling stations to remain open longer amid reports of high participation among Arab voters.

Initial election projections were expected after polls closed, while preliminary results were due to emerge during the following hours. Officials cautioned that counting could take longer because of absentee ballots, with the final results scheduled for publication in early November.

The outcome will determine the balance of power in Israel’s parliament and shape the negotiations over the next government, as the country continues to face security, political and economic challenges.