Israel National News

Significant disparities in voter turnout across Judea and Samaria

Voter turnout figures as of 8:00 p.m. reveal significant differences between communities in Judea and Samaria.

'You're going to lose your country'

Mark Levin's urgent election warning to Israeli right: 'You're going to lose your country'

Conservative commentator Mark Levin urges Likud and coalition supporters to get out and vote, warning that low turnout could put Israel's future and security at risk.

Elections Committee decides: Voting hours will not be extended

Following a request by Likud, joined by Shas and Otzma Yehudit, the Central Elections Committee's presidium decided not to extend voting hours.

Flávio Bolsonaro fled Brazil for the US after losing elections

Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost Brazil’s presidential election, has left the country for the US. Brazilian federal police are investigating, while Argentina denies he entered the country.

This is how the Middle East is covering Israel’s elections

Media in Qatar, Lebanon, and Turkey focus on Arab voter turnout in Israel’s elections, while questioning whether a new government would change Israeli policy.

Melania Trump announces Ukraine-Russia ceasefire, humanitarian corridor in Oleshky

Melania Trump announces the ceasefire took effect two days ahead of schedule to protect civilians and deliver critical humanitarian aid to the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city, with the truce expected to last until November 1.

Concern among haredi parties:

Haredi parties fear losing seats as turnout surges nationwide

Shas and United Torah Judaism campaign headquarters fear a loss of strength amid high voter turnout nationwide and are activating emergency operations to get voters to the polls.

NY Governor says job would be 'a lot easier' if Netanyahu loses

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul claims she is doing her best to protect Jewish New Yorkers and blames Netanyahu for the wave of antisemitism on Israel's election day.

Filber: Voter turnout rising across all sectors

Pollster Shlomo Filber predicts that unusually high voter turnout will make it harder for small parties to cross the electoral threshold.

Due to long lines

New rules issued to poll officials as long lines form

Amid long lines at polling stations, Israel's Central Elections Committee allows expired IDs and orders faster voting procedures and priority for disabled voters.

Amit Segal on historic voter turnout: 'This is dramatic'

Channel 12's Amit Segal reports strong participation in Arab, center-left, and Likud strongholds.

Haredi yeshiva hosts first IDF ballot box

For the first time, a military polling station opens at a haredi Hesder yeshiva, allowing students to vote without interrupting their Torah studies.

Bennett: 'Being largest party means nothing'

'Together' chairman Naftali Bennett, who attained control of Prime Minister's Office with just six Knesset seats in 2021, warns Israelis that party size does not matter - only bloc size matters.

Ben-Gvir visits Ofer Prison:

Ben-Gvir visits Ofer Prison: 'Terrorists are praying for me to lose'

Visiting Ofer Prison on Election Day, Ben-Gvir claims imprisoned Nukhba terrorists hope he loses his position so their previous conditions are restored.

Knife-wielding suspect arrested after approaching Yair Golan

Security guards stop man approaching Democrats chairman Yair Golan, knife falls from suspect's clothing.

Elderly man casts his vote - and dies

Ramat Gan resident, 94, collapses and dies shortly after returning home from voting.

Holding photo of fallen son

Holding photo of fallen son, Ruby Chen verbally attacked outside polling station

Ruby Chen, father of fallen soldier Itay Chen, is called a 'traitor' outside a Netanya polling station while urging Israelis to remember the fallen.

Terror attack averted?

Terror attack averted? Egyptian national arrested after crossing border

An Egyptian national who crossed into Israel near Nitzana is suspected of planning a terror attack; Shin Bet investigators identify possible nationalist motives.

Second year in a row:

Second year in a row: Netherlands to boycott Eurovision over Israel

Netherlands reverses its decision to return to Eurovision after Dutch broadcasters refuse to support participation alongside Israel.

Three arrested over suspected vote-buying scheme for Ra'am

Police arrest three Negev residents suspected of offering cash in exchange for votes for Ra'am in the Knesset elections.

Woman injured in Samaria rock attack

Twenty-year-old woman injured in Palestinian Arab rock attack on Highway 60.

At the voting booth:

At the voting booth: Smotrich warns against gambling with Israel's future

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich casts ballot in Kedumim, urges Israelis to vote only for parties 'a million percent certain' to cross electoral threshold.

'Go Home, Scumbag':

'Go Home, Scumbag': Democrats activist attacks Minister Wasserlauf at polling station

A Democrats Party activist confronts Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf as he arrives to vote with his children in Tel Aviv; security escorts her away.

IDF demolishes monuments glorifying terrorists in Samaria

IDF forces demolish decades-old monument honoring terrorists in Madama, additional memorials in nearby villages.

Election Day - in photos

Millions of Israeli citizens, as well ministers, MKs, and candidates seeking to enter the Knesset for the first time, head to the polls to decide the country's future.

Election Day storms: Heavy rain, hail and flash floods

Winter weather hits Israel on Election Day, with thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds and flash flood risks in the south and east.

'Our fate is in our hands':

'Our fate is in our hands': President Herzog votes in Knesset elections

President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal vote in Jerusalem, celebrating Israeli democracy and expressing hope for an Election Day free of disruptions.

Netanyahu prays at Western Wall hours before elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Western Wall on eve of Israel's elections, placing handwritten prayer for IDF soldiers, victory over Israel's enemies, and success for the Jewish people.

Despite Mamdani

Despite Mamdani's anti-Israel views, NYPD seeks Israeli technology to track suspects

The NYPD is negotiating a $750,500 deal for Israeli-made AI phone-tracking technology, sparking privacy concerns.

St. Louis Blues condemn antisemitic protest during game

The St. Louis Blues denounce anti-Israel banners displayed during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Security removed the signs and ejected protesters.

Report:

Report: Netanyahu approached rabbis to push Winter out of election race, was rebuffed

Netanyahu reportedly sought rabbis' help to persuade Ofer Winter to withdraw from the election. Rabbi David Abuhatzeira instead supports his candidacy.

After antisemitism allegations

BBC to pay Jewish filmmaker £400,000 after antisemitism allegations

The BBC agrees to pay £400,000 to award-winning Jewish filmmaker Lucie Kon, who alleges she faced antisemitism and lost her job after October 7.

Over 2016 leak

Former FBI Director Comey faces third criminal case over 2016 leak

The Justice Department files a new criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey over an alleged 2016 leak, triggering a dispute over filing deadlines.

$2.3 billion

Intel to acquire Israeli quantum computing startup Classiq for $2.3 billion

Intel is acquiring Israeli quantum software company Classiq for $2.3 billion, marking a record deal for the industry and a milestone for Israel's technology sector.

Criticized for anti-Israel stances

Olivia Chow, criticized for anti-Israel stances, reelected Toronto Mayor

Olivia Chow wins another term as Toronto mayor, defeating Brad Bradford. She was widely criticized over her response to antisemitism and several controversies involving Israel.

'Israel's always my home'

Gal Gadot receives honorary doctorate from Bar-Ilan University: Israel's always my home

Israeli actress Gal Gadot receives an honorary doctorate from Bar-Ilan University, reflecting on October 7, Jewish unity and mutual responsibility while urging Israelis to vote.

Chekov on 'Star Trek'

Walter Koenig, Jewish actor who played Chekov on 'Star Trek,' dies at 90

Walter Koenig, the Jewish actor best known as Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek series, dies at 90.

Retaliation for church attack

Jordan launches airstrikes in Syria in retaliation for deadly church attack

Jordanian fighter jets strike terrorist hideouts in southern Syria after a deadly church funeral shooting killed nine people and wounded 34.

The antisemitic pro-Abdul El-Sayed ad sparking controversy

A campaign ad from Cenk Uygur's PAC backing Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sparked antisemitism accusations after blaming US grocery prices on aid to Israel.

Following campaign video, Agam Berger slams Yair Golan

Captivity survivor Agam Berger criticized a campaign video released by Yair Golan's Democrats Party that combined footage of the October 7 attacks with political messages.