LIVE, elections in Israel: the voter turnout rises to 66.7% in the early evening, the highest since 1973

The voter turnout in Israel's elections reached 66.7% by 6 PM local time, the highest since 1973. This marks a significant increase from 57.5% at the same time during the 2022 elections. Gadi Eisenkot's party opposed Prime Minister Netanyahu's request to extend voting hours, arguing it could undermine election legitimacy. Concerns have been raised about Netanyahu potentially contesting unfavorable results, with some experts fearing he may refuse to accept them. Arab parties are expected to gain more seats due to increased voter participation, reflecting a historical trend. The international isolation of Israel has become a notable issue in the campaign, with mixed reactions among the electorate.