Turnout in the Israeli parliamentary elections has reached 44.9% by 2:00 p.m., the highest level for this hour since 1973. More than 3 million citizens have voted for the 120-seat parliament, in the first elections since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on supporters of the Likud party to vote en masse, claiming that an attempt is being made to manipulate the elections. The accusations have been rejected by the opposition party Yashar, led by Gadi Eisenkot, which accuses Netanyahu of preparing the ground to contest the result. The Central Elections Committee has stated that there is no evidence of systematic manipulation, while complaints about individual cases are being reviewed.
The elections are considered an important test for Netanyahu, who faces criticism over security failures before the October 7 attacks and his leadership of the country during the wars in the region. Preliminary polls do not predict that either bloc will secure the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, which could lead to lengthy negotiations and another political deadlock. Polling stations close at 10:00 p.m. local time.
