About 49% Vote: Polls closed in local elections • Counting has begun

February 27, 2024   

The local election polls opened this morning (Tuesday) in 242 municipalities, local councils and regional councils across the country. The number of eligible voters is 7,215,256, including 747,586 citizens who will be voting for the first time. 86 of the candidates for mayor are women, compared to 721 men.

First thing at the polls: What will you do if there is an alarm when you vote?

ב-11 רשויות מקומיות ואזוריות, שמהן פונו תושבים, הבחירות יתקיימו ב-19 בנובמבר. ספירת הקולות תחל עם סגירת הקלפיות בשעה 22:00. נוכח ריבוי המעטפות הכפולות מההצבעות בצה"ל ובבתי החולים, שמספרן מוערך בכ-400 אלף - לעומת 95 אלף בבחירות 2018, תוצאות האמת הסופיות צפויות להתפרסם רק לקראת סוף השבוע. ברשויות שבהן אף אחד מהמועמדים לראש הרשות לא יקבל יותר מ-40% מהקולות, יתקיים סיבוב בחירות שני ב-10 במרץ. מועד זה הוקדם מתוך התחשבות בבוחרים ומועמדים המציינים את חודש רמדאן. First thing at the polls: What will you do if there is an alarm when you vote? Despite the war in Gaza and the north, in the ultra-Orthodox cities and communities where there is a large concentration of ultra-Orthodox people, the election campaign became a heated battle - and the results will continue to influence internal ultra-Orthodox politics.

Current updates: 

22:15 - YRabbi Shlomi Emunim and Minister Meir Porush at the closing of the polls: ""It is too early to say what the election results will be in each city, but there is no doubt that the Haredi public has proven Today, he pledged his loyalty to the Elders of Israel and went out in droves to vote in accordance with the instructions of the members of the Council of Elders of the Torah. Despite the political uproar, we must remember that these are not easy days and we continue to pray for the return of the kidnapped and the safety of the soldiers on the front lines.".

22:10 - Elections in Haredi cities: Bnei Brak - 66%, Elad - 81%, Modiin Illit - 75%, Rechsim - 80%, Beit Shemesh - 63%, Beitar Illit - 72%, Jerusalem 31%.

22:00 - The polls in the local elections have closed and the counting of votes has begun. 21:40 -  The police clarify that contrary to social media posts, in all matters related to local elections, The police did not arrest a single citizen in Elad. 21:15 -  Vote in the local elections until 8:00 PM About 3.2 million NIS voters, which is about 45% of those eligible to vote. בבחירות 2018 עמד אחוז ההצבעה בשעה 20:00 על כ-53% המספר לא כולל את הלוחמים שהצביעו בקלפיות באזורי הלחימה, חיילים בבסיסים שוטרים ובעלי תפקידים שמצביעים במעטפות כפולות שייספרו רק החל מהלילה. 20:30 - Extremely low voter turnout in Jerusalem: By 8:00 PM, 271,300 eligible voters had voted, compared to 401,300 in 2018. 20:10 - As of 7:00 PM, approximately 2.9 million voters had voted, which is About 41% of all those with the right to vote, לא כולל המצביעים במעטפות הכפולות. זאת לעומת כ-49% בבחירות הקודמות בשנת 2018. אחוזי ההצבעה הגבוהים ביותר עד כה נרשמו בסאג'ור עם 80% הצבעה, כפר מנדא עם 78%, Elad with 72.2 percent of the vote, המועצה האזורית גלבוע עם 70%. בערים הגדולות - ירושלים עם 25.2% בלבד, Bnei Brak leads with about 51% votes, Ashdod with 39%, Tel Aviv with 35%, Haifa 33% and Beer Sheva with 31%. 20:00 - Two hours until the polls close: Maran HaGard Lando makes a firm call - everyone must hurry up and vote עבור דגל והמועמדים לראשות העיר בכל אתר ואתר. אם לא עכשיו אימתי. 19:40 -  Since this morning, police across the country have been handling several incidents following 18 suspects were arrested and detained, and 62 cases were opened for violations of election integrity, threats, and violence. 18:50 -  Already now There are more than 100,000 duplicate envelopes. 18:50 -  MK Yaakov Asher and Minister Meir Porush in a joint statement From the headquarters of United Torah Judaism candidate for mayor of Beit Shemesh, Shmulik Greenberg: ""We're one step away from winning in the first round.". "There is unity here between Hasidim and Lithuanians, for the sake of Yiddishness in the city. Now is the time to bring every vote to the ballot box.". 17:52 - Voting data for the Agudat Israel Jerusalem communities: Salonim - 69%, Viznitz Hasidic Center - 67%, Gur - 64%, Zvahil - 56%, Biala - 54%, Darag - 53%, Bayan - 52%, Belza - 49%, Alexander - 49%, Babov - 48%, Modzic - 47%, Sadigora - 46%, Viznitz, Strykov and Sert Viznitz - 45%, Nedvorna and Sanz - 43%, Karlin - 41%, Amshinov - 40%. 17:45 -  Over 2.2 million people voted by 5:00 PM in the local elections. This is-31% of those eligible to vote, compared to 40 percent in the previous elections At this time. However, about two percent will increase because of the double envelopes. In the big cities: Bnei Brak 35%, Ashdod 31%, Tel Aviv 28%, Haifa 26%, Bashan 25%. The localities of Deir Hanna and Yarka lead with 65% voting and 63.1% respectively, Ridges with 61%. 17:30 -  Voter turnout for local elections The prison service has approximately 48% as of 5:00 PM. 17:10 - YRabbi Shlomi Emunim Minister Meir Porush took a seat at the community headquarters of the 'Ashdod Hatoranit' list and encouraged The community representatives to increase the voting percentage before the evening hours. 16:45 - The two localities with the highest voter turnout by 15:00 - Mailia and Rechsim: The Meilia Local Council in the Upper Galilee leads in voter turnout rates nationwide, with 56% as of 3:00 p.m. It is followed by the Rechsim Local Council in the Haifa District with 50%. 16:40 -  Suspicion of violation of the purity of the elections At the 'Zichron Meir' ballot box in Bnei Brak: Police arrested a resident of the city On suspicion that he arrived to vote at one of the polling stations with an ID card that was not his. The polling station was closed. 16:30 - The director of the Agudat Israel - Jerusalem community headquarters, Shimi Blei, to the hundreds of representatives at the headquarters in Binyanei Ha'uma:''"For five years they humiliated us, danced 'They knelt down and fell' and trampled on the honor of our elders, we say no more.". "Today it's up to you. Let's prove our strength.". 16:15 -  Approximately 100 Degel HaTorah representatives throughout the country Received instructions from Rabbi Lando not to hold victory celebrations and dances due to the war. The headquarters that booked event halls canceled the order. 16:00 - Voter turnout by city as of 15:00 - Elad 45.5%, Beit Shemesh 33.7%, Safed 32.8%, Beitar Illit 32.7%, Kiryat Gat 32.6%, Tiberias 29%, Tel Aviv 23%, Haifa 21.3%, Bat Yam 17%, Jerusalem 16.4%. 15:50 -  Voting data as of 3:00 PM: More than 1.8 million citizens have already voted andThe voter turnout is 261%, compared to 321% in the previous elections.. נתון זה אינו כולל לוחמים ושוטרים שמצביעים במעטפות כפולות. האחוזים גבוהים: כסייפה 56%, אשדוד ובני ברק 26% ותל אביב %23 15:30 - Here is news: The affair of the attempt to tilt the elections in favor of Moshe Aboutbol: The detention of the suspect arrested last night has been extended until Thursday. Police have arrested another man and three others have been detained for questioning to determine their connection to the incident. Also, A man was detained in Beit Shemesh who posed as a polling station observer.

Take action and activate: Head of the Agudat Israel list in Jerusalem, Tzachi Barim, continues to encourage people to vote Tuesday even in the stormy weather

15:10 -  A man in his 40s Moderately injured in stabbing at polling station in the local council in Kavaul in the Western Galilee. Rescue forces evacuated him to Rambam Hospital in Haifa. 14:45 -  Voter turnout in ultra-Orthodox cities: Rechsim 35%, Elad - 32%, Modiin Illit - 25%, Beit Shemesh - 24%, Beitar Illit - 20%, Bnei Brak - 18%, Jerusalem - 12%. 14:45 -   Voting percentages in Agudat Israel Jerusalem communities As of 2:15 PM: Gur - 49%, Vizhnitz Hasidic Center - 48%, Slonim - 46%, Zvahil - 37%, Alexander - 36%, Bayan - 35%, Breslov - 35%, Belza - 33%, Modzycz - 32%. 14:45 -  From the data that shows the public spends election day shopping in shopping centers and malls: Between 8:00 and 14:00, credit expenses totaling more than 623.59 million NIS were recorded. מדובר על נתון גבוה ב-15.4% לעומת היקף ההוצאות ביום הבחירות האחרון ב-1 בנובמבר 2022 שבו נרשמו בשעות אלו הוצאות בהיקף של 540.29 מיליון ש"ח. בבחירות המוניציפאליות הקודמות שנערכו ב-30 באוקטובר 2018 היקף ההוצאות בשעות אלו עמד על סכום של 332.16 מיליון ש"ח בלבד. הדקה העמוסה עד כה היתה 12:53 עם רכישות בהיקף של 2.66 מיליון ש"ח. 14:27 -  Shlomi Emunim Chairman, Minister Meir Porush, at Mayor Elad Yisrael Porush's headquarters: "I'm coming here after the tours in the north, we want to sanctify the name of heaven throughout the country. It's important that everyone go vote early.". "At night, with the help of the Lord, there will be a great celebration of the Lord here.". 14:15 - Voting record: In Kiryat Ono, the voter turnout as of 1:00 PM is 55.21%. 14:05 -  Maran HaRav Lando Lavi Dayan, head of the 'Hai' list in Elad: ""Choosing only a Jewish Rabbi is good for Judaism, it will be good for the Creator of the world.", "Only for him, not for anyone else.".

14:05 - In Jerusalem, the voter turnout is 12% only.

14:05 - Rabbis of Breslov communities in a joint letter In a call to vote exclusively for the Agudat Israel Jerusalem list: "We are committed to having a worthy representation that will stand guard over the holy sites of Israel and do a faithful work of God.". 14:05 -  The rabbi of all Hasidic communities in Elad, the gaon Rabbi Zusha Horwitz, met Minister Meir Porush at the entrance to Mayor Yisrael Porush's headquarters and greeted him warmly: ""With God's help, the holiness of God will be great"'. 13:50 -  Police forces of the Lachish region in the southern province ofThey were called to a fight outside a polling station in Moshav Zarchia, located and arrested 3 people involved for further investigation.E. After the police handling, the election process continues as usual. . 13:45 - Southern District police forces and Border Guard soldiers are currently working to restore order in Neighborhood 2 in the Aror settlement following Violent incidents, accompanied by stone-throwing, between two factions of the same family near polling stations שבמקום. כוחות המשטרה שנמצאים במקום פעלו לפיזור ההתגודדות, תוך שימוש באמצעים לפיזור הפגנות.

Riots near the polling stations. Photo: Police spokeswoman

13:25 - Drop in voter turnout:  National voter turnout in local elections As of 1:00 PM it stands at 17.7% That is 1,256,916 voters out of all those eligible to vote. At the same time in the previous election campaign in 2018, the figure was 241,316 in 2018. 13:15 -   The headquarters of one of the candidates for the leadership of the Givat Ze'ev council, Yosef Asraf, claims that Ballots were tampered with and unregistered voters were fraudulently introduced into the polling stations. A complaint was received by the police - which reached the polling stations. 12:40 - Also in the Red City: Chairman Shlomi Emunim and Minister Meir Porush at Agudat Yisrael's election headquarters in Haifa with local chairman Aryeh Blitenthal and list head Avrimy Stern. 12:35 - Voter turnout in all criminal prisons as of 11:00 is 18%, approximately 1,815 prisoners. Furthermore, 272 faculty members voted 12:20 -  4 suspects arrested for involvement in a fight that broke out at a polling station in Tuba-Zangariya, involving 2 families. As a result of the violent incident, 2 people were lightly and moderately injured by stabbing, 12:00 - Minister Miri Regev accompanied Yaakov Vider, a member of the city council, on a tour of the polling stations in Pardes Katz.  The minister pointed out the terrible neglect in the neighborhood and said that we must give Vader power. To change the situation.

11:50 -  In combat zones and IDF bases, approximately 30,000 combatants and soldiers, both regular and reserve, have voted so far.

11:50 -  According to data from the Ministry of Interior, The highest voter turnout ever recorded Birka (13%), Migdal (11.3%), Gath (11.2%), Ridges (10.7%), Galilee View (10.1%) And as a swordsman (10%). 11:45 -  The candidate for mayor of Safed Yossi Kakkon, who has the support of the city's Chabad community, sat down this morning to write to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zt"l: He asked for blessings for success in the elections and for working in collaboration with the magnificent Chabad community, and a special blessing for the city and all the residents of Safed. 11:45 -  Chairman of United Torah Judaism Minister of Construction and Housing Yitzhak Goldknopf: "I have now exercised my democratic right to vote" For the municipal elections. I call on the citizens of Israel: Go out, vote and make an impact!""

The chairman of United Torah Judaism votes. Photo: Spokesperson

11:40 -  Instruction in the name of the Rebbe of Strykov to vote in Jerusalem for the Agudat Israel list"Everyone should vote for the Agudat Israel list marked C. Also, please inform the boys who study in other cities to travel to Jerusalem to vote for the above list.". 11:40 -  מנתוני שבא, מנהלת ומפתחת מערכת התשלומים הלאומית בכרטיסי אשראי, עולה כי הציבור מנצל את יום השבתון של הבחירות המוניציפאליות לקניות. בין השעות 8:00 ל-11:00 בבוקר Credit expenses totaling more than NIS 205.17 million were recorded. This is a high figure. ב-1.8% לעומת היקף ההוצאות ביום הבחירות האחרון ב-1 בנובמבר 2022 שבו נרשמו בשעות אלו הוצאות בהיקף של 201.54 מיליון ש"ח. בבחירות המוניציפאליות הקודמות שנערכו ב-30 באוקטובר 2018 היקף ההוצאות בשעות אלו עמד על סכום של 105.94 מיליון ש"ח בלבד. 11:30 - Since the opening of the polling stations, a number of isolated incidents have occurred, resulting in Two suspects were arrested and 12 investigation files were opened for crimes of election integrity, threats, and violence. 11:25 - The chairman of the state camp, Minister Benny Gantz, on election day in the city of Kfar Saba, where he supports mayoral candidate Hadar Lavie and her 'Lev' faction. In the past month, the election campaign has heated up in Kfar Saba. Regarding the question of the Likud party's support for incumbent mayor Rafi Saar. A protocol published by the Likud municipal committee confirmed an agreement between the Likud and Saar. Saar, for his part, denied the agreement. 11:25 - Minister Meir A prophet awakens the North: Chairman Shlomi Emunim at Agudat Yisrael headquarters in Tiberias

Meir Porush at the headquarters in Tiberias. Photo: Spokesperson

11:00 - Decline in voting figures To local authorities upon the opening of the polls: About 3.91% of eligible voters had voted by 10:00 AM compared to 5.31% In the previous elections 10:55 -   The area is dormant: The voter turnout in Jerusalem as of 10:00 AM is only 6.3 percent. Even in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, there has been a low level of public response to go out and vote. 10:45 -   Head of the Agudat Israel list in Jerusalem, Tzachi Barim, after the vote: "We are standing on the threshold of a historic day." "It will be engraved in the annals of Agudat Israel Jerusalem as a day of upheaval in changing the equation for the better.". 10:40 -  young 23-year-old injured in violent incident at polling station in Toba Zangaria. Rescue forces evacuated him to Ziv Hospital in moderate condition, with penetrating injuries. 10:35 - As of 10:00 a.m. The voter turnout in the city of Bnei Brak is 14.71%. This is a slight increase compared to the previous election cycle. 10:10 - Minister of the Negev, the Galilee and National Resilience, Yitzhak Wasserlauf arrived this morning to vote at a polling station in south Tel Aviv: ""I am happy to vote today in the local elections. It is important to have influence and exercise this right. Go out and vote for representatives who, like in the Knesset and the government, will promote the values ​​and actions that are important to you! Representatives of Otzma Yehudit. Go out and vote for those who will truly care about you. With a small ballot, you can bring about great action, now it is in your hands.". 10:05 - Maran Grad Lando was asked: Is it true that those who vote for Israel, the Pharisee, are doing it for the good of the city and for the good of Yiddishkeit? The Grand Rabbi: "Peshita, that's why I'm speaking, I want it to be good, but my concern is for Yiddishkeit. And those who don't vote are against Yiddishkeit.". 10:00 -  New Hope Chairman Minister Gideon Saar voted at the polling station near his home at the Beit Hailed School in Tel Aviv. ""Local election day is a very important day. Israel is a strong democracy, a vibrant democracy.". "I voted for Yuval Zellner for mayor of Tel Aviv and for New Hope for the city council. I call on all residents and residents of all authorities - go out to vote, go out to influence!"" 10:00 -  נשיא המדינה יצחק הרצוג הצביע בתיכון לאומנויות בירושלים. "השלטון המקומי משפיע על חיינו בצורה דרמטית מאוד, כל מעגל חיים של אזרחי ישראל מטופל על ידי הרשויות המקומיות. "לכן, If we really want to influence the direction of our lives, the best thing to do is go out and vote in local elections., "This has been proven all the more in war, in a state of emergency, we see the municipality and the local authority and council handling and dealing with a host of challenges, and there is nothing more important than that. I call on the citizens of Israel - go out and vote and have an impact.". 09:40 -  Candidate for mayor of B'Va Hanoch Seibert, arrived this morning for a prayer for the Zionists of the great men of Israel who lived in Bnei Brak, at Maran Chazon Ish, Ohel Admori Vizhnitz, Hasteifler, Rabbi Wasner, Rabbi Schach, Rabbi Steinman, Rabbi Kanievsky, Rabbi Edni and more, as well as at the graves of his grandparents.  

A drying rack in the Ramot neighborhood. Photo: Baruch Yaari

09:35 - Deputy Minister Uri Maklev, who is sitting in the Shiv for the passing of his father, the late Ztz"l, in Bnei Brak, now voted at the polling station near his home in the Ramot neighborhood. In Jerusalem. Deputy Minister: "We emerged from sorrow and mourning to vote as our sages taught. The elections are not a purely civil matter, but a mission to influence matters of great importance, matters of principle and spirituality, and there is a sanctification of God in this. And by God's grace, we will succeed.". 09:35 -  Fraud Unit in the Jerusalem District Arrested for questioning a Beit Shemesh resident, in his 20s, on suspicion of election bribery וקבלת דבר במרמה. לפי  החשד הוא הציע כסף לאזרחים בתמורה להצבעה עבור המועמד משה אבוטבול, ותכנן לזייף ולשבש את הבחירות בעיר. מהחקירה עלה, כי ברשתות החברתיות פורסמו פרטיו של החשוד כמי שמציע תשלום עבור הצבעה בעד מועמד, ובכך לפי החשד התכוון לזייף ולהפריע למהלך התקין של הבחירות בבית שמש. עוד עלה בחקירה המשטרתית, כי החשוד הציע לבוחר מסוים תשלום של 200 ש"ח אם יצביע בעד המועמד. במקרה נוסף חשוד הציע 100 ש"ח תמורת כל תעודת זהות של בוחר, באמצעותה התכוון לפי החשד להצביע. היום, החשוד יובא לדיון בהארכת מעצרו בבית המשפט וחקירת המשטרה נמשכת.

Meir Porush at the headquarters in Safed. Photo: Spokesperson

09:30 -  Opens Election Day in the North: Chairman Shlomi Emunim, Minister Meir Porush at Agudath Israel headquarters in Safed With representatives of the list, headed by Council member Nachman Gelbach, staff members and activists. 09:20 -  After false messages circulated last night in Elad: Announcement From the house of the Rebbe of Mekhnovka in Belza: "Voting only for Israel is a sin" "To the mayor of Elad.". 09:20 -  Maran HaGard Lando voted for Degel in Bnei Brak and congratulated Degel chairman in Bnei Brak Menachem Shapira: May the elections be peaceful in Bnei Brak and in the country. He also congratulated those who find it difficult to vote and who make an effort.

Maran HaGard Lando points. Photo: Courtesy

09:20 - 'Derech' list running for Jerusalem City Council May make history and put an ultra-Orthodox woman on the council - 34-year-old Malka Greenblatt, mother of four children. She shares first place with Avishai Cohen, a resident of Beit Vegan, a yeshiva graduate and 8200. Greenblatt is competing for second place in a rotation with Cohen. 09:00 -  Rosh Yeshiva of Slobodka Rabbi Hirsch voted at the ballot box at Talmud Torah 'Mercaz' in Bnei Brak, Accompanied by the head of the Torah Flag list in the city, Menachem Shapira, and dozens of students. 08:50 - Incumbent Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, Open election morning at the Western Wall. 08:46 - Beit Shemesh Mayor Dr. Aliza Bloch voted this morning at the Jabotinsky School in the city, accompanied by her family. Bloch: "I fulfilled my duty and went out to vote this morning. "I call on all residents of the city not to pass up the opportunity to make an impact.". 08:10 -  The oldest candidate for head of the authority is Tali Argaman, 74, from Givatayim, and the two youngest candidates are 31 - Ella David Hadas from Shoham and Michal Shapira from Ma'ale Ephraim. 48 candidates are 21 years old, andThe oldest contestant is Edwi Samih, 105 years old, Candidate on the list for the Turan Council plenum.

Meir Porush sets off. Photo: Spokesperson

08:00 - Chairman of Agudat Israel Jerusalem and Chairman of Shlomi Emunim Minister Meir Porush after the vote: "Immediately after the morning prayer and the tithe and immersion in the mikveh, we rushed to vote. "Now we are going out to plow the land, with God's help there will be success.". Upon opening the polls, Porush said: "Today the signal is given, all of us, in every site in the Land of Israel, receive the opportunity to fulfill the commandment of our rabbis and to personally and directly influence the future of our character and the nature of our lives in the place where we live. In every city, and in particular In cities where there is a critical campaign to represent the entire Hasidic community in all its diversity, it is important that we take action and mobilize. "For the sake of success and with God's help, in the name of God, we will do it and succeed.". 08:00 - News 12 commentator Amit Segal refers in a column he wrote to the elections in Jerusalem and the question of whether the Zionist majority in the city council will be preserved. ""The big question is whether the Zionist majority in the City Council, which is currently down to one member, will become, for the first time in Jerusalem's history, an ultra-Orthodox majority.". "Boredom is playing against the secular and religious-national factions here.". 08:00 - The largest election headquarters in Israel: Agudat Israel Jerusalem established its Election Day headquarters in a 2,500 square meter complex in the Nation Buildings. And over a thousand activists and community representatives will be present during the day.

AGOI election headquarters. Photo: Spokesperson

07:55 - Jerusalem woke up to a blue morning, after the city's streets were painted with over 40,000 balloons reminding residents that today is Election Day and urging them to go out and vote. 07:25 -  Headquarters of mayoral candidate Uriel Bosso: This morning, false publications were distributed throughout the city about the supposed withdrawal of Uriel Bosso's candidacy for mayor, using the name of the Council of Torah Sages. Bosso headquarters intends to contact law enforcement to investigate who is behind the serious forgery. and misleading the public. 07:25 -  Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, who voted in Petah Tikva, called on the public to come out and vote in the local elections. ""Local elections affect the lives of citizens no less than the Knesset elections. "I call on the citizens of Israel to exercise their right, to go out and vote," said Arbel. 07:00 - At this time, the polls open for local elections.. Most polling stations will close at 10:00 PM. In small communities with up to 350 voters and in special polling stations - in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and prisons - the polling stations will close at 8:00 PM.