Israel election voters went to the polls on October 27, 2026, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a close contest against parties seeking to remove him from power. Opinion polls suggested a tight race with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

Key Takeaways

  • More than 31% of eligible voters had cast ballots by noon, the highest midday turnout since 1977.
  • Neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the parties seeking to replace him is assured a parliamentary majority.
  • The vote is Israel’s first national election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

Israel election could lead to coalition talks

More than 7 million people are eligible to vote. Netanyahu cast his ballot shortly after midday, while Eisenkot visited communities attacked on October 7, 2023.

No single party has ever won an outright parliamentary majority in Israel. If neither Netanyahu’s religious and ultranationalist coalition nor the parties seeking to remove him wins enough support, negotiations could continue for weeks before a leader is chosen. Arab-led parties could play a decisive role if other parties agree to work with them.

Security and military service shape the vote

The election comes amid unresolved wars and divisions over security, military conscription and the character of the state. Parties likely to support Eisenkot have pledged to improve Israel’s international standing, work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men and strengthen judicial independence.

Eisenkot’s Yashar party said it filed a complaint about nine incidents involving missing, damaged or overturned ballot slips and suggested deliberate sabotage. Dean Livne, the acting director-general of the elections committee, said reports of polling-station issues were much lower overall than in previous elections.

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