Netanyahu Already Alleging Fraud Before Vote Closes, As Arab-Israeli Districts Flood Polls

What happened: Israelis voted in the first national election since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, with turnout at record levels for the hour. Likud began preparing to challenge results in Arab cities and towns before polls closed, alleging fraud. Key numbers: Turnout was 66.7% as of 6 p.m. Why it matters: High turnout is being seen as a bad sign for Netanyahu and Likud, suggesting "Bibi fatigue." Final polls suggest a tight race between Netanyahu's right-wing and ultra-Orthodox bloc and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar.

Israelis voted in the first national election since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, with turnout at record levels for the hour. Likud began preparing to challenge results in Arab cities and towns before polls closed, alleging fraud.

High turnout is being seen as a bad sign for Netanyahu and Likud, suggesting "Bibi fatigue." Final polls suggest a tight race between Netanyahu's right-wing and ultra-Orthodox bloc and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar.