Israel Elections Break 53-Year Record, Voter Turnout Hits 67% By 6 PM

27 Oct 2026, 14:13 by Vinita Bhat · abp Live

Israel's voter turnout reached 67%, the highest at this stage since 1973, as Netanyahu faces a closely contested election.

Written By : Vinita Bhat | Updated at : 28 Oct 2026 12:06 AM (IST)

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is seeking another term.
Source : ABP Live

Voter turnout in Israel’s crucial general election reached 67 per cent by 6 pm local time on Tuesday, marking the highest participation at this stage since 1973, according to Israeli media citing the Central Elections Committee. The sharp rise in turnout comes amid a closely fought contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger, former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, with neither political camp assured of securing a majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Turnout Breaks Records

The 67 per cent turnout marks a significant increase from the 2022 election.

Earlier, 31.5 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by noon, compared with 28.4 per cent at the same stage in the previous election.

Polling stations opened at 7 am local time and are scheduled to close at 10 pm. A total of 7,331,981 eligible voters are registered to vote at 12,018 polling stations across the country.

Netanyahu Faces Tough Contest

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is seeking another term amid mounting criticism over the government’s handling of the war and the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.

Eisenkot has emerged as a key challenger, while former prime minister Naftali Bennett is leading a separate opposition alliance with Yair Lapid.

Netanyahu has urged right-wing voters to turn out in large numbers, warning that low participation could allow his opponents to form the next government. US President Donald Trump has also publicly endorsed the Israeli leader.

Also Read: MLC Election Results: BJP, SP Candidates Lead In UP; BJP’s NK Yadav Leads By 2,446 Votes In Bihar’s Kosi Seat

Irregularity Claims Emerge

Several parties have alleged irregularities, including missing or defaced ballot papers. However, the Central Elections Committee said there was no evidence of systematic tampering and that individual complaints were being addressed.

Arab citizens, who account for around 21 per cent of Israel’s population, could influence the election outcome. Their participation may prove crucial in determining which political bloc can secure the 61 seats needed to form a government.

Official results are expected on November 4, with an initial indication of the outcome likely by Wednesday.

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About the author Vinita Bhat

Vinita Bhat is a Chief Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with experience in TV and digital journalism. She covers geopolitics, international conflicts, global current affairs and Kashmir.

For tips and queries, write to vinitab@abpnetwork.com.

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Published at : 27 Oct 2026 07:43 PM (IST)
Tags :
Israel Benjamin Netanyahu Israel Elections

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