Israel election live: Netanyahu’s bid to extend voting hours denied by central elections committee

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Polls to close at 10pm local time as latest figures show highest turnout on record in pivotal Israeli election </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/26/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-most-consequential-election-in-israels-history">What you need to know about Israel’s election</a></p></li></ul><p>Across <strong>Israel</strong>, voting is now under way. Here are some of the latest images being sent to us over the newswires:</p><p>Tens of thousands of <strong>Israelis</strong> living abroad have flown in for the elections, according to <strong>Aid Coalition</strong>, a US-based nonprofit focused on strengthening Israel’s democracy. Israeli law generally requires citizens to vote in person in the country, with narrow exceptions for diplomats and certain official emissaries abroad.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/oct/27/israel-elections-knesset-netanyahu-likud-eisenkot-gaza-latest-updates">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.