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Netanyahu’s Likud party also sought to extend voting beyond the scheduled 10 pm deadline, but the election committee rejected the request.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies scrambled to mobilise supporters on Tuesday as voter turnout surged to its highest level in decades, with Netanyahu warning that increased participation among Arab citizens could threaten his political bloc.
Turnout reached 74.3% by 8 pm, according to Israel’s Central Elections Committee, up from 66.3% at the same time during the 2022 election. The figure marked the highest turnout recorded by that hour since 1988, as Israelis voted in a closely contested election that could determine Netanyahu’s political future.
Netanyahu’s Likud party also sought to extend voting beyond the scheduled 10 pm deadline, but the election committee rejected the request.
Netanyahu Raises Alarm Over Arab Voters
Netanyahu urged Likud supporters to turn out, warning that Arab parties and left-wing groups could change the country’s political direction.
“We cannot leave this battle here in the hands of the left and the Arab parties that want to bring an end to the Jewish state,” he told supporters, urging them to skip leisure activities and vote.
He also warned on social media that Israel could end up with a government backed by left-wing parties and the Muslim Brotherhood. Arab citizens make up around 21% of Israel’s population, and turnout appeared unusually high in Arab-majority communities and east Jerusalem.
Ben-Gvir, Strock Visit Arab Towns
Far-right politicians also stepped up efforts to mobilise their supporters. Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit visited Kafr Qasem, while Orit Strock of Religious Zionism travelled to Rahat. Both recorded videos highlighting high turnout among Arab voters and urging right-wing supporters to cast their ballots.
“The voter turnout in the Arab sector is insane. Absolutely insane,” Ben-Gvir said, calling on supporters to vote to preserve Israel’s Jewish and Zionist character.
“If you want this country to remain Jewish and Zionist … then get out and vote!,” he added.
Poll Body Rejects Extension Request
Likud and other right-wing parties asked the Central Elections Committee to keep polling stations open beyond 10 pm. The committee rejected the request, saying the circumstances did not justify extending voting hours.
It added that anyone already in line by 10 pm would be allowed to vote. The committee said high turnout across different sectors reflected strong public participation and did not warrant an extension.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of seeking grounds to challenge the results later, saying no exceptional incident justified the request.
Tight Contest Puts Netanyahu Under Pressure
The election is being held against the backdrop of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the regional conflicts that followed. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is facing a broad opposition bloc led by Eisenkot and including former premiers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.
With around 7.3 million people eligible to vote, the high turnout has become a central feature of the contest. Netanyahu has presented himself as the candidate best placed to protect Israel’s security, while his opponents have called for a change of government.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Ask News18Voter turnout reached 74.3% by 8 PM according to Israel’s Central Elections Committee, marking the highest participation rate recorded by that hour since 1988.
Ask News18October 28, 2026, 00:55 IST
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