Israelis turned out in record numbers on Tuesday to vote in a closely contested election that could determine the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
55.7% of eligible voters had cast their ballots within the first nine hours of polling, marking a record turnout for that point in the day, according to Reuters. Voting was scheduled to continue for another six hours, with long queues reported outside polling stations across the country.
Opinion polls have indicated a close contest, with neither side having a clear path to securing a governing majority in Israel’s 120-seat parliament. Despite Netanyahu’s political resilience, opponents have focused their campaign on accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks.
Ahmed Tibi, a candidate from an Arab party, said record turnout from Israel’s Arab minority would “pave the way for an alternative government and change the grave reality”. The country’s fragmented political system means that forming a coalition could prove as challenging as winning the election itself. Opposition groups have pledged to establish a national inquiry, a move resisted by Netanyahu’s government. The participation of Israel’s Arab minority, which makes up about a fifth of the country’s population, could influence the election outcome.
Netanyahu urges supporters to vote
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister with 19 years in office, has defended his record, calling himself the only leader with the mettle to face down Israel’s foes.
“You all need to stream to the polls,” he said, adding, “This is a fateful moment. The prime minister has also highlighted his relationship with US President Donald Trump, who has backed Israel’s military campaign against Iran and called for the country to “finish the job”. However, his right-wing coalition has faced criticism over security failures, its policies towards Palestinians and Israel’s growing international isolation. Netanyahu urged his supporters to turn out in large numbers, warning that high participation among opposition voters and Israelis of Arab heritage could affect the result.
