Israelis voted Tuesday in a closely watched national election widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, the first since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 10 p.m. in Israel (3 p.m. EDT), with exit polls expected soon after.
Key Highlights
- By noon, turnout had exceeded 31%, the highest at that point in an Israeli election since 1977, according to the Associated Press.
- Final polls published Friday had Netanyahu’s coalition neck and neck with, or slightly behind, the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, Reuters reported.
- A coalition needs 61 of the Knesset’s 120 seats to govern.
- No results had been announced at the time of writing.
What Is Happening Today
Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot voted, according to live election coverage. Turnout figures can vary by reporting time, so early participation numbers should be treated as provisional until the Central Elections Committee publishes official data.
About 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote, including 1.2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel, according to Reuters. Israelis living abroad cannot vote by absentee ballot. The Associated Press reported that tens of thousands of Israelis abroad were expected to fly home to vote, citing the AID Coalition, a U.S.-based nonprofit.
The Contest
Pre-election polling suggested a close contest, with neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition showing a clear, guaranteed path to a governing majority. The Council on Foreign Relations noted before election day that both sides could struggle to assemble the 61 seats needed to govern. Polls and exit polls are estimates, not official results.
Why It Matters
Reuters said Netanyahu faces domestic questions over alleged failures that allowed the October 7 attack, his government’s handling of efforts to retrieve captives taken to Gaza, alleged corruption, and disputes over ultra-Orthodox military service. These are criticisms and allegations, not findings reported here as fact.
Regional Tensions
The election is unfolding amid continuing regional security tensions. Reuters reported before the vote that Iran is likely to remain a central security concern for Israel regardless of who leads the next government. For related regional coverage, see our report on Riyadh airport reopening amid Houthi attacks.
How the Result Will Be Decided
Israelis vote for a party, not a candidate. A party must win at least 3.25% of the national vote to enter the Knesset, Reuters said. Exit polls are expected within a few hours of polls closing, and the final tally is expected by Friday, with official results published November 4.
President Isaac Herzog then consults party leaders and picks a candidate to form a government, who has up to 42 days. If no one can, the current government stays on as a caretaker, and new elections may be called, according to Reuters.
What Happens Next
- Exit polls on Israeli television after 10 p.m. local time (4 p.m. EDT).
- The final vote tally, expected by Friday.
- Talks to form a coalition, which often take weeks.
Last updated: October 27, 2026, about 9:20 a.m. EDT, based on reports available at that time. This is a developing story. Further updates will be added as more information is confirmed.