Voting in Israel set turnout records for recent decades
In the Israeli elections on October 27, 2026, exit polls recorded a lead for the bloc led by Gadi Eizenkot with 52 mandates against 50 mandates for Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. Voter turnout reached its highest levels since 1973, surpassing 66 percent a few hours before polling stations closed. This was reported by Mako, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
According to exit poll data, the Likud party led by the incumbent prime minister secures 24 mandates in the new parliament. The Yashar! political force, headed by Gadi Eizenkot, receives 22 mandates, while the party led by Naftali Bennett secures 12 representatives. Separately, Arab parties receive 18 mandates according to the exit polls.
Record voter turnout figures
The electoral process on October 27, 2026, was marked by exceptionally high voter activity not seen in decades. As of 16:00, 55.7 percent of eligible citizens had exercised their right to vote, setting a record for this time of day since 1973. By 18:00, turnout rose to 66.7 percent, exceeding the figures from the previous election campaign.
Reactions from political leaders
Gadi Eizenkot commented on the initial poll results, describing them as a vote of no confidence in the current government. The politician stated his intention to immediately begin forming a new coalition. Meanwhile, Democrats party leader Yair Golan noted that the public had expressed its will for a change of government in the country.
Security incidents and election committee operations
Throughout the day, law enforcement officers recorded several serious incidents, including the detention of a suspect carrying a sharp object near politicians and an investigation into alleged electoral offenses in the south of the country. The Central Election Committee rejected a request to extend voting hours, keeping the closing time unchanged while allowing all voters already waiting in line to cast their ballots.
