Israeli voter turnout hits 53-year high as Netanyahu fights to stay in power
The surge could reshape close races as parties near the 3.25% threshold and officials reported no sign of coordinated interference.
- On Tuesday, Israelis surged to the polls at the fastest rate in 53 years, passing wartime judgment on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the first election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.
- Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader with 19 years in office, faces intense scrutiny over security failures and polarizing policies that critics argue have deepened international isolation and weakened democratic institutions.
- Challenger Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, campaigns on accountability, stating, "I am convinced that by the end of today, we will see a change." His platform appeals to security hawks and those opposing Netanyahu's far-right coalition.
- Arab voters are participating in "unprecedented" numbers, with Islamist Ra'am party head Mansour Abbas hoping turnout will surpass 70 per cent in Arab communities, prompting far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to warn of Abbas-led government.
- Opinion polls show a tight race with neither leader facing an easy path to power; Netanyahu could remain as caretaker if neither candidate forms a coalition within Israel's 120-seat parliament.
154 Articles
154 Articles
By the afternoon, the election commission has recorded the highest value since the beginning of the records in 1973. This could harm incumbent Netanyahu, one expert believes.
With a record-breaking turnout, finding non-voters was no easy task
Israelis' disillusionment with politics did not deter them from breaking voter turnout records by noon. But throughout the day, some were still undecided about whom to vote for – if at all. 'I don't believe Bibi or Gadi,' one said. 'I only trust God'
At 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. in Paris), the turnout was 66.7 per cent, according to the Israeli Central Electoral Commission, 9 percentage points higher than the 57.5 per cent recorded at the same time in the 2022 elections.
Israel Election: Early Turnout Hits 45-Year High as "Bibi Fatigue" Threatens Netanyahu's Grip
(ZeroHedge)—Shin Bet chief David Zini has said as Israelis head to the polls in record numbers on Tuesday, “Voter turnout is high, and we can confidently tell the citizens of Israel that the elections are being monitored and conducted in a proper and inspiring manner.” Today is Israel’s first national legislative election since the Oct.7, […] The post Israel Election: Early Turnout Hits 45-Year High as “Bibi Fatigue” Threatens Netanyahu’s Grip a…
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