Israelis Cast Ballots in First Knesset Vote Since 2023

Israelis went to the polls on Tuesday to elect their parliament in the first vote held since the attacks of October 7, 2023.

Voters chose from 36 competing lists for the 120 seats in the Knesset. The goal is to form the country's 38th government. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to retain power against a strong challenge from Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu has served as Israel's longest-serving prime minister, accumulating more than 19 years in office across three terms. His current coalition, which took office in December 2022, is the first government since 1988 to complete a full four-year term.

Current polling suggests Netanyahu's right-wing and ultra-Orthodox bloc may fall short of the 61 seats required for a majority. Projections place his bloc at approximately 50 seats. Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, leads the Yashar party. Polls indicate his party is currently ahead of Netanyahu's Likud, though neither camp is projected to win a majority alone.

Palestinian-led parties are expected to win a combined 14 to 16 seats, giving them a decisive role in government formation. Both the opposition and the incumbent coalition have ruled out including these parties in a governing cabinet. Turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up about 18 percent of eligible voters, could influence this outcome. Arab48 reported high early turnout in Palestinian-majority towns on Tuesday.

Pollsters estimate that if turnout reaches 60 to 70 percent, up from 53 percent in 2022, it may help the Ra'am party and the Joint List secure their projected seats. Israeli television channels will broadcast exit polls as soon as voting ends. Unofficial results are expected overnight, with the full count due by October 30 and official results on November 4.