Israel held an election on Tuesday with more than 7 million people eligible to vote. Voter turnout reached 74.3% by 6pm, marking an increase of about 9% compared to the previous election.
The Likud party emerged as the largest single party in the results. Predictions from exit polls suggest that Israeli Arab parties could secure up to 18 Knesset seats.
The Central Elections Committee rejected a request to keep polling stations open past 10pm. Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the "left and Arabs" were attempting to steal the election.
The Central Elections Committee stated it had seen no evidence of systematic tampering. Israel has lost more than 74,000 Palestinian lives since 7 October 2023.
Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin comprise about 20% of the country’s population. Gadi Eisenkot said, "Netanyahu has returned to his familiar tricks, lies and fearmongering to mobilise voters."
Netanyahu described the situation as a "very moving and fateful moment" and warned that "The Jewish state is on the brink of ruin." Mansour Abbas stated, "Our vote will change the government."
Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed, "it will be Abbas’s government." Haaretz reported that Israel cannot afford another four years under Netanyahu.
