Israel's election day saw a record voter turnout, with 44.9% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 2:00 p.m., despite difficult weather conditions and a high-profile voter fraud investigation in the south.
What happened
Three residents of Bedouin communities in the Negev were arrested overnight on suspicion of planning to buy votes for the Ra'am party, with police saying they intended to pay citizens for their votes. Home searches uncovered envelopes containing tens of thousands of shekels in cash, along with notes and other evidence.
The election is a significant challenge for Israel's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces opposition from former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and his newly formed Yashar Party. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the elections for Israel's future, saying "this is a fateful moment; we know what is at stake" and urging citizens to "vote for the future of the State of Israel".
Despite the arrests and difficult weather conditions, voters turned out in historic numbers, with turnout within the Israel Defense Forces reaching 48% by 1:00 p.m. and major cities recording turnout between 27% and 29%. Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg praised the public's resolve to participate, and Shin Bet Director David Zini assured voters that the elections remain safe and trustworthy.
