Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to extend voting in the parliamentary elections beyond 22:00 has drawn objections from his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot. The move comes at a time when turnout in several areas that have traditionally supported Netanyahu’s Likud party is lower than the national average.
According to the Central Elections Committee, by 16:00 nationwide turnout had reached 55.7%. In several cities considered Likud strongholds, the percentage of voters was significantly lower.
In Afula turnout was 51%, in Ashkelon 49%, in Migdal HaEmek 50%, in Bat Yam 40%, in Tiberias 47% and in Holon 49%.
In addition to the debate over voting hours, the campaign has also been marked by mutual accusations between the two rivals. During an interview with Kol Barama radio, Netanyahu stated that Israel is “on the verge of collapse,” prompting a reaction from Eisenkot.
The latter accused the prime minister of trying to create panic among the public, with the aim of mobilizing his supporters to turn out to vote.