With record turnout, Netanyahu's party asks to extend voting hours

The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with Shas and Jewish Power, requested an extension of voting hours due to record voter turnout. By 6 PM local time, nearly 67% of Israeli voters had participated, the highest since 1973. This surge is seen as unfavorable for Netanyahu, particularly in Arab and liberal areas. The request was denied by opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, who argued it could undermine election integrity. Netanyahu accused Arab voters of attempting to 'steal the election' following a minor incident involving cash envelopes. Current polls show a deadlock between Netanyahu's coalition and Eisenkot's opposition, with neither likely to secure a majority in the Knesset.