Israel Elections

Israel braces for rainy Election Day, but can bad weather affect voter turnout?

Showers are expected on Election Day, but turnout figures going back to 1949 show that the weather has never decided who shows up at the ballot box.

People walk in the rain in Jerusalem, August 15, 2026.
Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu visits the Hatikva Market in Tel Aviv as part of the Likud party’s election campaign ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 22, 2026.

After Netanyahu meets police chief, Israel's elections chief warns against vote interference

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the Negev Conference in the southern city of Dimona, southern Israel, July 17, 2026.

Dimona's former Netanyahu loyalists turn to Eisenkot as battle for final undecided voters heats up

(L-R): Yashar head Gadi Eisenkot; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Eisenkot leads Netanyahu but deadlock looms, election polls show two days before Israelis vote


How to vote in Israel: A guide for the first-time voter ahead of the Knesset elections - explainer

From finding your polling station to choosing the right ballot slip, here's everything voters in Israel need to know ahead of the big day.

Ballot papers of various political parties are displayed at the Central Elections Committee warehouse in Shoham, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026

Netanyahu: Arrests of haredi draft evaders 'unacceptable,' undermine IDF enlistment efforts

"This is unacceptable. We need to preserve the world of Torah study because it has preserved us," the prime minister told Kol Barama during a Tuesday morning radio interview.

Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu visits supporters in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026

'I will vote for Liberman,' Netanyahu's ex-NSC head, Likud stalwart Tzachi Hanegbi declares

"In the upcoming election, I will vote for Avigdor Liberman," Hanegbi wrote, describing the decision as a historic personal departure from his political past.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi seen at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, September 28, 2023

Trump endorsement of Netanyahu blasted by liberal policy advocates, Democrats

Reactions to the US president’s support for Israel’s current prime minister are largely divided along party lines.

US President Donald Trump (L) holds hands and speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem on October 13, 2025.

US VP Vance declines to endorse Netanyahu despite Trump’s backing ahead of Israeli election

Vance said that he endorses American candidates and does not intend to get involved in Israeli elections, just a day after Trump offered Netanyahu his “Complete and Total Endorsement."

US Vice President JD Vance and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak during a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, October 22, 2025.

Netanyahu insists he offered Trump nothing to secure US president's election endorsement

"You're the man I want by my side, Bibi," Trump told Netanyahu in a video of a conversation between the two leaders released by the PMO following the US president's endorsement.

US President Donald Trump with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a special plenum session in honor of  Trump at the Knesset on October 13, 2025.

Bennett, Netanyahu helped build Western Wall's Ezrat Yisrael, but will either secure its future?

Netanyahu approved the Western Wall compromise before freezing it. B’Yachad promises to preserve the egalitarian section, while Women of the Wall demands full implementation of the agreement.

The Western Wall

Bismuth warns Israel’s enemies may attack on Election Day as Knesset defense committee meets

"Israel's enemies will attempt to attack on Election Day," Bismuth wrote in an X/Twitter post. "We are prepared."

 Likud MK Boaz Bismuth leads a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, January 27, 2026

WATCH: Joint List to air footage of Gaza’s destruction in Israeli election broadcast

The party said footage of Gaza’s destruction has been largely hidden from Israeli society, and accused other parties of "wanting more destruction."

Gazans walk past damaged buildings in Gaza City, Gaza Strip on October 18, 2026; Illustrative.

European Jewish leaders warn Knesset election could trigger new EU sanctions, surge in antisemitism

“We have been working under the radar with many friendly foreign ministers in Europe to persuade them to block the sanctions until we know what the election will bring,” Muzicant said.

A demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag as protesters face police amid smoke during clashes following a protest against the rising cost of living in Bologna, Italy, October 17, 2026.