Election Day: Israelis flock to polls as turnout surges to 31.5% nationwide, highest since 1973

Live Updates

'They're trying to steal the election': Netanyahu warns of high Arab voter turnout • Politicians continue reporting fraud attempts, missing ballots at polling stations across Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara casting their ballots for Israel's 26th Knesset, October 27, 2026.
Israeli citizens vote in the 26th Knesset election on October 27, 2026.
Yashar head Gadi Eisenkot visits a polling station during Election Day in Holon, central Israel, October 27, 2026

Election Day: A complete guide to Israel’s political parties and what they stand for

EXPLAINER

Knife-wielding man detained after approaching Democrats' Golan during Election Day tour in Tel Aviv

Upon the man's "threatening approach," Golan's security detail intercepted him, and a large knife fell to the ground from inside his jacket.

Democrats party chairman Yair Golan casts his vote at a polling station in Rosh Ha'ayin, central Israel, during Election Day, October 27, 2026
Ballot slip for the Ra'am party.

Suspected Ra'am vote bribery case transferred to Lahav 433 as Netanyahu calls for investigation

"There was nothing improper about the activists' conduct," the Ra'am party stated in response. "These are attempts by Ben-Gvir’s police force to suppress voting within Arab society."

Arab Israelis cast their vote at a voting station in Maghar, during the Knesset Elections, on November 1, 2022.

Arab Israelis report receiving call to vote on Election Day in name of murdered girl Sousan Sultan

Yisrael Beytenu files complaint against Shas distributing kippot amid widespread ballot sabotage

President Isaac Herzog casts his ballot in the 26th Knesset election in Jerusalem.

In Photos: Israel's political leaders cast their ballots in 26th Knesset election

A Haredi man votes for the 26th Knesset in Jerusalem on October 27, 2026.

Parties sidestep app ban inside polling stations, asking voters outside to identify themselves

Illustrative: A voting box in the an Israeli election in 2015.

How is the Muslim world reporting on Israel’s election?

Passengers arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, as activists from various political parties wait to encourage them to vote for their parties in Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 25, 2026.

Activists urge voters returning to Israel to save emergency hotline numbers in case of arrest

An Israeli votes in the 2026 Knesset election, October 27, 2026.

Assaults against party activists reported across Israel as voting for 26th Knesset continues

WATCH
A Channel 14 reporter covering the election in Haifa after being harrassed and verbally assaulted.

Channel 14 reporter verbally assaulted, harassed while covering voting in Haifa

Israel Election 2026: What does Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar stand for?

EXPLAINER

"If I put this ballot in the box, what government, policies, and political reality am I helping create?"

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, together with party members, attends the presentation of the party’s candidate list ahead of the upcoming general elections in Rosh HaAyin, September 7, 2026.

Will 70,000 Israelis returning from abroad for Election Day tip the tight political balance?

ANALYSIS
EXPLAINER

How you can access free public transportation to get to polling booths on Election Day

Passengers at Yitzhak Navon train station in Jerusalem on January 21, 2026.
EXPLAINER

How to vote in Israel: A guide for the first-time voter ahead of the Knesset elections

Ballot papers of various political parties are displayed at the Central Elections Committee warehouse in Shoham, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026
EXPLAINER

Israel Election 2026: How many votes will parties need to cross electoral threshold?

An Israeli voting booth.

Can business save Israel-Australia relations? Ambassador says there is still hope

Ambassador Hillel Newman looks to The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit as an opportunity to bridge divides and strengthen ties through business and innovation

Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman.

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Election Day 2026 is a day for democracy and a chance for unity

EDITORIAL

Israelis should allow themselves to enjoy the day. Bring children to the polling station. Talk with friends and relatives, including those voting differently.

DESPITE HUGE advances in technology, Israeli voters still mark a physical paper ballot and place it in a ballot box. From there, the CEC builds multiple layers of verification around that slip of paper.

'This time I won't vote for Likud' PM Netanyahu's cousin says, citing four major failures

Israeli ad tech company targeted Starlink internet users in suspected attempt at espionage

STARLINK SATELLITES are pictured in the sky over a farm in the Almaty Region, Kazakhstan January 25, 2025.

Route 40 near Mitzpe Ramon closes as Election Day storm threatens flash floods

People walk near Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City on a rainy day, October 24, 2026.

IDF imposes West Bank closures, reinforces troops to prevent Election Day violence

Spotlight

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews attend an election rally organized by the United Torah Judaism party in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, central Israel, two days ahead of Israel’s general elections, October 25, 2026.

'We do whatever they say': Yeshiva students defer to rabbis over response to IDF draft enforcement

A superhero in every field. Gal Gadot.

Israeli Hollywood star Gal Gadot votes in 26th Israeli Knesset elections

Tamar Krigel holds up an Israeli flag on she waits to check in for Israeli airline El Al’s nonstop flight from San Francisco to Tel Aviv, Oct. 25, 2026. Her shirt reads, "Flight for change."

‘A national emergency’: Bay Area Israelis fly home to vote in pivotal election

A line of Israelis wait to vote in general elections in Jersualem on October 27, 2026.

Right-leaning voters in Jerusalem share core values for future gov't but split over who should lead

Macklemore vows to fight until 'last breath' at opening of 'Free Palestine' tour

"I am proud to stand here on stage in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We will continue to fight for collective liberation until our last breath," Macklemore said on stage.

Rapper Macklemore performs during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, in Duesseldorf, Germany, September 9, 2023.

'Lack of Jews hasn't meant lack of antisemitism,' Expert on Jews in Wales tells 'Post'

INTERVIEW

'Legitimizes Jihad': Foreign Affairs Ministry slams UN report accusing Israel of genocide

Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, South African judge Navanethem "Navi" Pillay (R) speaks next to member of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territor

UK antisemitism watchdog GnasherJew exposes 40 antisemitic healthcare workers in NHS

The logo of the National Health Service is seen on the exterior of St Thomas' Hospital on March 13, 2025 in London, England.

Netherlands to sit out Eurovision for second year in protest of Israel’s participation

Lebanon's Mossad hysteria: Palestinians with Israeli phone country code spark fear in Beirut

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned what he described as “moral bankruptcy” surrounding the detention of the two Palestinians from Ramallah.

Motorcyclists ride on the streets of Beirut, Lebanon, October 20, 2026.

Syria says Jordanian airstrikes killed civilians, denies strikes were coordinated

Trump denies discussing Netanyahu request for another endorsement: ‘I never spoke about it’

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Tensions continue to mount as Iraq balances the Iran border crossing closures with national needs

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir attend the graduation ceremony of an IDF officers’ course in southern Israel, June 25, 2026.

'Complete fabrication': Netanyahu, Katz deny plans to fire IDF chief Zamir ahead of election

Form a government, you can hate each other on your own time

COMMENT

After October 7, Israel needs a stable government for several years. A broad Zionist coalition should agree on the work and get it done.

Election campaign billboards featuring Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Likud party chairman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alongside opposition leaders are displayed along a roadside in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections.

Trump says Brazil election looked 'rigged', defeated Bolsonaro's party recognizes Lula win

OPINION

Netanyahu has turned Israel into a defense-tech powerhouse and a model US ally

FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they shake hands during a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025
ByBARAK SEENER
OPINION

Israel’s moment of truth: Knesset election pivotal to future US-Israel relationship

US-ISRAEL-DIPLOMACY Israeli and US flags are seen on the table as US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Pentagon in Washington, DC on February 5, 2025; illustrative
ByBRADLEY BOWMAN, JONATHAN SCHANZER
POLL

Trump approval rises from record low to 32% ahead of midterm election, poll finds

The fastest arms race is happening in the electromagnetic spectrum

Modern drones, precision weapons, and networked AI increasingly depend on the spectrum. AI is turning the ability to adapt there into a combat capability of its own.

A developer prepares a drone called "Raven", an Electronic Warfare System, by team Stark, during the Spectra Challenge competition in Erding near Munich, southern Germany.

Israel, Greece conduct joint naval exercise for operational scenarios, sinking hostile ships

Israel to supply Cyprus with new offshore patrol vessel equipped with Rafael systems

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As drone threat grows, Magos expands commercial security capabilities

Arbel system

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United flight returns to airport after passenger spotted texting about hijacking aircraft

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A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane lands at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) using the River Visual approach to Runway 19 on August 5, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia; Illustrative.

Ex-FBI chief Comey faces third prosecution attempt by Trump Justice Department

FBI arrests CIA contractor for allegedly leaking secret defense, Middle East intel to journalist

The seal of the Central Intelligence Agency is shown at the entrance of the CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia, US, September 24, 2022.

Italy flotilla torture case against IDF officials even broader than ICC war crimes

Boats, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, sail off Koufonisi islet, Greece, September 26, 2025.

Russia, Ukraine begin localized ceasefire to allow for humanitarian operation in Oleshky

A still image taken from an undated drone video released September 12, 2026, shows a destroyed building in Oleshky, Kherson Region, Russian-controlled Ukraine.

In Collaboration

G-d, Love & Blues and a Bit of Whiskey

Eduard Shyfrin explores the search for balance, faith and inner peace through his music.

Mark Wilf at The Jewish Agency: Building connection, unity, and trust

Mark Wilf visits a summer camp hosting Israeli teens from the Campers2Gether program

Hebrew University start-up wins Asper Prize for approach to cancer treatment

ViVac Pharma celebrates winning the 2026 Asper Prize at Hebrew University. From left: Prof. Tamir Sheafer, Dr. Lior Nissim, Keren Leshem, Gail Asper and Dr. Amnon Dekel.

Birthright Israel to hold first Taglit Global Business Summit in Tel Aviv

The gathering reflects Birthright Israel's impact both on Jewish communities worldwide and on Israel's economy.

Participants on a Birthright Israel program.

FBI probes possible Saudi espionage plot involving former OpenAI engineer

REPORT

Former senior Tax Authority officials among 11 suspects in NIS 80 million fraud probe

An Israel Police officer standing outside the headquarters of Lahav 433 - The National Crime Unit; illustrative.

AI giant Anthropic, developer of Calude AI model, launches IPO filing, reveals $16b. revenue

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Intel agrees to buy Classiq in biggest Israeli acquisition since Mobileye

Water rationing, garbage pile-up raise disease fears in Yemen's besieged Taiz

Fighting between the Saudi-backed government and the Houthis since September has cut key supply routes, worsening shortages of water, food, and fuel in and around the city.

Workers collect garbage from a street in the southwestern city of Taiz, Yemen, October 20, 2026.

Nepal urges villagers to evacuate after flood triggered by landslide, no casualties, five missing

Earthquake of magnitude 7 strikes China's Tibet, killing 16, Xinhua reports

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Israeli expat recounts destruction, home collapse in magnitude 7.7 Panama earthquake

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Eilat records first rain of year as authorities issue flash flooding warning in Dead Sea region

Machete wielding mob attack health workers responding to Ebola in Congo

The health workers, accused of spreading Ebola by contaminating water, were attacked by an angry group wielding machetes and batons.

Health workers and humanitarian responders on the front lines of the Ebola response gather to receive a vaccination due to their potential exposure to the virus as part of their work with suspected cases in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, October 16, 2026.

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AT HEBREW UNIVERSITY.

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Visitors at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, in Tel Aviv, on January 19, 2025.

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Image for illustration purposes only.

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Bini Zomer, GM for Corporate Affairs & Joint Ventures at Chevron Mediterranean Limited

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Podcasts   

BALLOT PAPERS of various political parties displayed at the Central Elections Committee warehouse in Shoham, Oct. 14.

Israel Election 2026: Pollster Shmuel Rosner says Israelis have already made up their minds

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US Politics   

Democratic US Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan, US October 24, 2026.

Michigan's El-Sayed campaign disavows PAC ad linking US inflation to Israel

Ex-FBI chief Comey faces third prosecution attempt by Trump Justice Department

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Diaspora   

FILE PHOTO: "Star Trek" actor Walter Koenig speaks to reporters in Bangkok July 24, 2007 after his visit to a refugee camp on the Thai-Myanmar border.

Legendary Jewish actor Walter Koenig, 'Star Trek's' plucky Chekov, dies at 90

Pope Leo meets with AJC delegation, reaffirms condemnation of antisemitism

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Christian World   

Pope Leo XIV speaks as he attends a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps in Luanda, Angola, April 18, 2026.

Pope Leo had lobe of lung removed as doctors found cancer, Vatican says

Friends of Zion says October 7 broadcast reached 250 million in 176 countries

Christian tourists buy West Bank settlement goods in protest of European trade restrictions

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The main course at Benny Hadayag was a platter with a whole baked sea bass alongside sweet and regular potatoes (NIS 155-165).

'We wanted to keep Shabbat': Benny Hadayag seafood restaurant in Herzliya becomes kosher

Wine talk: From vine to glass

Brewed with barley from Be’eri's fields, a new Israeli beer brings new life after October 7

Archaeology   

A Yarmukian juglet found in a cave in Samaria.

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Prehistoric hunter-gatherers stayed connected across 200 kilometers, Israeli study finds

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Hula valley's Gesher Benot Ya’aqov.

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Culture   

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Oscar Levis, known early in his career as “Chick Levy,” and later as “Oscal,” was celebrated as the premier pitcher in Panama before joining the Cuban Stars and Hilldale Daisies in the Negro Leagues.

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Actor Selma Blair attends Variety’s 2026 Power of Women: Los Angeles event in Beverly Hills, California, US September 23, 2026.

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Thessaloniki, Greece.

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