Parliamentary elections begin in Israel amid heightened security measures

Polling stations opened at 07:00 local time in Israel as parliamentary elections get underway. The results will determine the composition of the 26th Knesset, after which the process of forming a governing coalition will begin, followed—if successful—by the swearing-in of a new cabinet and prime minister.

According to the Central Election Commission, 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote. A total of 12,018 polling stations have opened across the country and will remain open until 22:00. Exit poll results will be announced shortly after they close, and vote counting will begin.

The elections are taking place under heightened security measures. According to Israel's Channel 12, a total of 20,000 police officers, border police personnel, and volunteers are maintaining public order. In turn, the military announced a blockade of the Palestinian territories and the closure of all checkpoints in the West Bank.