Israel prepares for 2026 Knesset elections with 7.3 million eligible voters

Israel is preparing for the 2026 Knesset elections, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, approximately 7.3 million people are eligible to vote, including about 810,000 citizens living abroad and 6.5 million permanent residents within the country.

The number of eligible voters residing in Israel has increased by 5.4% since the November 2022 elections. Demographic data indicates that 77% of eligible voters are Jewish—including 13.6% Haredim—while 18% are Arab, and 5% belong to other groups or are non-classified.

The 120-seat Knesset operates under a 3.25% electoral threshold. Based on a hypothetical 74% voter turnout, a party would need approximately 175,000 valid votes to enter the Knesset, with each seat requiring roughly 43,400 votes. Actual seat distribution will depend on final turnout and the Bader-Ofer method for allocating remaining seats.

Recent polls suggest a highly competitive landscape. One poll from the Israel Broadcasting Authority placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp at 51 seats against 52 for Jewish opposition parties, while another from Channel 12 showed 51 seats for Netanyahu and 55 for the opposition. Forming a government requires a minimum of 61 seats.