Occupied Palestine
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the entrance to the village of Qasm and warned of rising voter turnout among the Arab community. He urged voters to support the “Jewish Coalition” party to prevent Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi from determining the election results and to ensure the formation of a right-wing government.
These appeals come amid a campaign of intimidation and incitement ahead of the elections, as the Israeli right grows increasingly concerned about the potential impact of Arab voter participation on the outcome.
In this context, Benjamin Netanyahu declared:
“Muslim Brotherhood supporters are attacking polling stations and stealing the elections… Take them back!!”
Netanyahu’s Likud party also formally requested an extension of voting hours.
Unprecedented Arab Mobilization
Reports indicate that Mansour Abbas was well prepared for these elections, with voter turnout among supporters of the southern branch of the Islamic Movement reaching some of the highest levels in occupied Palestine.
Particularly notable is the unusually high participation among the poorest segments of society, with turnout reportedly surpassing even that of the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community, traditionally known for its strong electoral mobilization.
Meanwhile, the secular and liberal left-wing electorate has reportedly demonstrated exceptionally high participation, described as unprecedented in Israel’s electoral history.
Circulating figures also suggest that approximately 400,000 people traveled from outside occupied Palestine to participate in the elections against Netanyahu.
Arab voter turnout within the 1948 territories (inside the Green Line) has reportedly reached an all-time high, turning these elections into an existential political battle for Netanyahu, his allies, and the opposing political camp.
Israeli Channel 14 Warns of Arab Electoral Influence
A presenter on Israel’s Channel 14 warned:
“Activists from the Islamic Movement and the Ra’am party in the city of Lod are already celebrating with green Islamic flags.”
He added:
“Arabs are heading to polling stations in extremely large numbers, while right-wing voters remain asleep. If the right does not wake up, a government will be formed in which Mansour Abbas holds veto power. He could bring down the government simply by opposing any military operation against Iran or Gaza.”
“Unfortunately, Azmi Bishara’s call for mass participation and the removal of the right-wing government has succeeded so far.”
Ultra-Orthodox Leadership Mobilizes Voters
Aryeh Deri, leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, declared:
“These are the last elections before the appearance of the Messiah.”
He urged the Haredi community to turn out and vote.
Historic Voter Turnout
By 4:00 PM, voter turnout in the Knesset elections had reportedly reached 55.7%, an increase of 8 percentage points compared with the same hour in 2022.
According to the figures cited, this represents the highest voter turnout recorded at that hour in more than 50 years.
Political Significance
The unprecedented mobilization of Arab voters and opposition groups could fundamentally alter Israel’s political balance, potentially preventing Netanyahu and his right-wing allies from securing a parliamentary majority.
For Netanyahu, the stakes extend beyond electoral survival: the outcome could determine the direction of Israeli policy toward Gaza, Iran, and the wider region.