Record turnout is being reported Tuesday in Israel, as voters go to the polls to determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps his job or is replaced by former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot.
The Jerusalem Post said voter turnout climbed to 55.7% — the highest in 50 years.
Mr. Eisenkot’s Yashar Party accused Mr. Netanyahu and members of his Likud Party of attempting to undermine confidence in the election results by claiming that the elections are being stolen.
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“Netanyahu is panicking and has begun making up stories and claiming that the election is being stolen. This is no accident. He is already laying the groundwork to challenge the election results,” the Yashar Party said in a statement, according to the Times of Israel.
Israel authorities have mobilized a nationwide security operation focusing on protecting polling stations, securing ballot transit and guarding against post-election public disorder.
About 22,000 Israeli police officers and border police have been deployed across the country — an increase of 5,000 personnel compared with the 2022 national election.
The IDF began setting up closures and roadblocks throughout the West Bank on Monday to reduce tensions and prevent violence. Security forces are bracing for potential terrorist attacks and settler unrest, The Jerusalem Post reported.
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