Israeli parties rally voters ahead of tightly contested Knesset election

As polling stations open nationwide for Israel’s 26th Knesset election, parties delivered final appeals to voters, focusing on security, the Jewish character of the state and economic concerns. Otzma Yehudit urged a robust right-wing bloc to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aligned with his principles, while candidate Tally Gotliv stressed equal rights within a Jewish state and the right of Jews worldwide to immigrate.

Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid’s B’Yachad promised better leadership, an inquiry into the Oct. 7 attacks, term limits and universal conscription. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum’s People of Israel called for a decisive Gaza victory and new immigration policies. Reservists-New Economic Party and the Haredi Public Party highlighted universal military service and education reforms, and Yisrael Beiteinu’s Oded Forer framed the vote as a chance to restore trust and shared national burden. The outcome will shape Israel’s coalition prospects and policy direction.