Likud Requests Poll Extension; Election Committee Rejects Current Bid

Israel's Central Election Committee decided not to extend voting hours in the ongoing Knesset elections today, Tuesday, in response to a request submitted by Benjamin Netanyahu's "Likud" party to prolong polling beyond 10:00 PM to allow additional time for voters.

The committee clarified that its decision applies only to the current stage, noting it would reassess the situation later amid media reports of heavy turnout and rising participation rates at polling stations.

Likud, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, submitted a request to extend the final voting period beyond 10:00 PM on Tuesday, as reported by the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth."

Voter turnout in the early hours of the Israeli elections remains at its highest level in more than 50 years since they began today, Tuesday, which is scheduled to be the last day of voting and the determination of election results.

The momentum of these historic Israeli elections puts Netanyahu's future on the line, serving as a decisive test of his leadership since the October 7, 2023 attack.

Polls indicate the competition will be extremely close, with Netanyahu facing fierce rivalry from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.