Israel holds Knesset election with record turnout after October 7 attacks

Polling stations opened across Israel on October 27 for parliamentary elections, the first since October 7, 2023. More than seven million citizens were called to vote to determine the composition of the 26th Knesset. Thirty-six parties competed, though fewer than half had realistic chances of clearing the 3.26% electoral threshold set by law. Turnout reached record levels, with 74.3% of eligible voters having cast ballots by 8 p.m. local time. Polls closed at 9 p.m. local time.

The vote represented a tight contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot. According to exit polls released by Channel 12 at the close of voting, the opposition bloc headed by Eisenkot would gain 52 seats, while Netanyahu's bloc would secure 50 seats. In terms of individual parties, Netanyahu's Likud emerged first with 24 seats according to the same exit polls, while Eisenkot was credited with 22 seats. Arab parties stood at 17 seats.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's request to extend voting was rejected. Final results from the count were scheduled for November 4, eight days after the vote, with exit polls released immediately upon the closure of polling stations.

The vote took place amid Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza, and deep political divisions within the country. The election marked the first opportunity for Israeli citizens to cast ballots in a general election since those attacks.