Ballots Open: Israel Renews the Knesset for the 26th Time

Meta description: First elections after October 7: 7,331,000 voters, 36 parties, voting until 10 p.m.; final results only on November 4 after counting the 'buste doppie'.

Open at 7 a.m. local time (6 a.m. in Italy), polling stations in Israel began voting to renew the 120 seats of the 26th Knesset. Approximately 7,331,000 voters were called to choose representatives from 36 parties in a contest shaped by the post-October 7 period and the ongoing war, according to ANSA.

Opening and voting logistics — Israel elections, Knesset 2026

The polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and will remain active until 10 p.m.; in Italy, the corresponding time is from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The race involves 36 political formations, but surveys indicate that only about 13 parties are expected to surpass the 3.25% threshold, according to a poll cited by ANSA.

• Voters called: 7,331,000.
• Voting hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. (Israel) / 6 a.m.–9 p.m. (Italy).
• Parties in contention: 36; expected about 13 above the threshold.

The election coverage attracted international attention and also interest from the Italian community in the region; readers can follow developments related to Brazilians and Italians abroad in the sections of Italy News and Life in Italy.

Counting and forecasts — turnout, election results

The first estimated results will come from exit polls immediately after polls close, but the official tally will not be completed until November 4, when the counting of the so‑called buste doppie— envelopes containing votes from voters outside their registration locality, such as military personnel, diplomats, and hospitalized patients—is finished.

ANSA notes that counting buste doppie typically takes longer and has already altered the balance of power in previous elections, which is why provisional results at the close of polls can undergo significant changes until final certification.

Pre‑electoral polls indicate an expectation of high turnout: 74% of respondents said they intended to vote, above the roughly 70% registered in 2022. Among the most cited political forces is the Likud, led by Prime Minister in office Benjamin Netanyahu, considered by institutes as the central candidate to form the next majority or opposition, depending on the final distribution of seats.

Context and relevance — Israel 2026 elections

These are the first elections held since the October 7, 2023 attack and in the context of more than three years of war that shaped the political climate and the public agenda. The vote has the potential to redefine the balance of power at a time of high internal tension and external pressures, with direct impact on security policies, regional relations, and relations with European allies.

Analysts consulted by international press, cited by ANSA, emphasize that the result could influence decisions on military strategies, diplomatic negotiations, and coalition realignments. Uncertainty about forming a majority will make post‑electoral negotiations central in the weeks following the release of official numbers.

What to watch in the next hours

• Release of exit polls at closing time — early trend indicators.
• Counting of the buste doppie, which can delay and alter the final picture until 4 November.
• Comparison between stated voting intention (declared turnout: 74%) and actual participation.
• Performance of the Likud and other forces contesting Knesset seats; also watch how many parties will surpass the 3.25% threshold.

To contextualize with other news about Italy and the right of descent, readers can consult reports in Notícias da Itália and guides on Cidadania Italiana, which explain procedures and legal changes relevant to those living in or connected to the country.

Conclusion The vote for the 26th Knesset progresses with expectations of high participation and attention to the detailed counting of votes cast outside one’s residence; the final parliamentary makeup will only be definitive with full tallying by November 4, in a race conducted under the weight of conflict and regional tensions.

Source: ANSA