Israel Election Deadlock Looms as Record Turnout Reported; Lieberman Claims Opposition Majority

Exit polls from the Israeli election suggest a potential deadlock, with a record-breaking turnout reported. Avigdor Lieberman has claimed that a wider opposition bloc is poised to secure a majority of 62 seats. By 8 PM local time, the election committee announced that voter turnout had reached 74.3%. Benjamin Netanyahu accused Israel’s Arab voters of attempting to 'steal the election'. Meanwhile, a suspected stabbing attempt targeting an opposition leader was reportedly foiled in Tel Aviv.

Voting commenced at 7 AM local time and is scheduled to conclude at 10 PM. For political parties to enter the Knesset, they must achieve a minimum of 3.25% of the vote. The final tally is anticipated by Friday, with official results expected on November 4. Arab Israelis are casting their votes in Nazareth, with their turnout potentially influencing the election's outcome.

Earlier reports highlighted voter sentiment, with one update at 02:28 stating, 'Israel is finished': Voters fear status quo whoever wins election. Another at 02:34 noted, Jerusalem’s right-wing voters split on Netanyahu. A piece at 01:52 explored 'What's at stake in Israel's election?', while another at 01:33 described the situation as 'Israel heads to polls in what some call the world's first ‘AI election’'. Further sentiments included ’Netanyahu out': Northern Israelis call for change (01:48), Israeli protesters demand political change (01:03), and Israel election: voters on the Gaza border want change (02:28).

The article was updated on October 27, 2026, at 8:22 PM.