Israel's Central Elections Committee reported 31.5 percent turnout by noon on October 27, with over 2.3 million ballots cast, the highest midday figure since 1973, as voters decide Netanyahu's future.
Israel's Central Elections Committee reported that 31.5 percent of eligible voters had cast ballots by noon on Tuesday, October 27, with more than 2.3 million people having voted.
The midday figure is the highest recorded at that hour since the 1973 election, surpassing the 28.4 percent turnout at the same point in 2022. Earlier, by 10 a.m., turnout stood at 16.68 percent with 1.2 million votes, the highest three-hour rate since 1981. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and close at 10 p.m.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast his vote in Jerusalem and urged Israelis to participate, while his main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, is contesting a close race. Final pre-election polls projected neither bloc reaching a clear 61-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
The Central Elections Committee's official updates confirm the 16.68 percent and 31.5 percent figures and the historical comparisons. Reuters, Ynet, and Times of Israel independently reported the same numbers from the committee. No contradictory official counts have been issued.
The elevated early turnout indicates strong voter engagement in the first national election since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Whether the pace holds through the day will shape the final result and the subsequent coalition negotiations that could determine if Netanyahu remains in power or a new government forms.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Neutral
- Netanyahu: Go vote
- Eisenkot campaign: tight race
- Voters: consequential election