Jerusalem, 27 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Arab communities are reporting exceptionally high voter turnout in Israel’s elections, while preliminary figures from major Haredi population centers indicate lower participation than in previous elections at the same hour.
According to the Central Elections Committee, approximately 3.29 million Israelis, representing 44.9% of eligible voters, had cast their ballots by 2 p.m. This is the highest turnout recorded by that hour since 1973.
Reports from Bnei Brak, Elad, Beitar Illit, Modi’in Illit and Jerusalem have raised concerns among the Shas and United Torah Judaism campaign headquarters.
One suspected factor is frustration over the outgoing Knesset’s failure to resolve the status of yeshiva students facing military conscription. Recent arrests of Haredi draft evaders have also fueled criticism.
Meanwhile, newly established Haredi parties aligned with various factions are challenging established parties and splitting the traditional Haredi vote.