Smotrich, the Finance Minister of Israel, has urged right-wing voters to cast their ballots, claiming that unprecedented turnout among Arab voters could help bring a "dangerous left-wing government" to power. Palestinian politicians have accused right-wing figures of inciting against Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up 20 percent of the country's population.
Key points
Smotrich, the Finance Minister of Israel, has urged right-wing voters to cast their ballo…: Smotrich, the Finance Minister of Israel, has urged right-wing voters to cast their ballots, claiming that unprecedented turnout among Arab voters could help bring a "dangerous left-wing government" to power.
Palestinian politicians have accused right-wing figures of inciting against Palestinian c…: Palestinian politicians have accused right-wing figures of inciting against Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up 20 percent of the country's population.
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This is an entry from: Live: Israelis head to the polls as Netanyahu fights for political life
Smotrich says ‘Arab turnout unprecedented’
27 October 2026 17:58 GMT
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged right-wing voters to cast their ballots, claiming that unprecedented turnout among Arab voters could help bring a “dangerous left-wing government” to power.
“Do not despair! It is still possible to win,” Smotrich said in a post on X.
Palestinian politicians have accused right-wing figures of inciting against Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up 20 percent of the country’s population.
Israeli exit polls indicate a significant shift in the political landscape, with Palestinian citizens emerging as a formidable force. The Likud-led coalition is projected to win 50 seats, while opposition parties secure 53 seats, leaving neither Netanyahu nor the Zionist opposition parties in a position to form a majority. The Joint List and Raam, two Palestinian-led coalitions, are projected to secure 17 seats, a record number of Arab MPs in Israel’s parliament, highlighting the growing political significance of…
Israeli exit polls suggest a deadlock in Tuesday's election, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his rival Gadi Eisenkot securing a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
The turnout among prisoners in Israeli prisons reached an unprecedented 88 percent, with nearly 89 percent of eligible voters participating in the election. This high turnout suggests significant engagement and support for the democratic process within the prison system.