LIVE, elections in Israel: the voter turnout rises to 44.9% in early afternoon, the highest level recorded since 1973

In Israel's legislative elections, voter turnout reached 44.9% by early afternoon, the highest since 1973. Gadi Eisenkot, the main opposition leader, urged citizens to vote to replace what he termed the worst government in Israel's history. Many expatriates returned to vote, highlighting the significance of the elections. The U.S. ambassador noted that Arab citizens are voting like other Israelis, despite ongoing controversies regarding their voting rights. The participation rate among Israeli soldiers was reported at 48%. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett encouraged support for any anti-Netanyahu party, emphasizing the importance of the opposition's strength over individual party success.