IDF Deploys 850 Polling Stations for Knesset Elections

The Israel Defense Forces began early voting for the 26th Knesset elections on October 21, 2026, deploying approximately 850 polling stations across military bases and operational sectors. These stations, including mobile units, reach troops in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, Eilat, and Mount Hermon. To maintain ballot secrecy, the military is utilizing a double-envelope system before transferring boxes to the Central Elections Committee in Jerusalem.

Alongside the voting rollout, the military issued strict guidance restricting the political activity of service members, specifically including hesder yeshiva students. These regulations prohibit soldiers from publicly expressing partisan or diplomatic positions on social media and forbid campaigning or addressing political gatherings. While personnel may join legal parties or attend rallies as civilians, they are prohibited from conducting political activities on military bases.

To ensure the elections proceed on schedule, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir implemented a leave restriction for all units effective October 22 and increased troop deployments in the West Bank. Voting for military personnel will continue until the nationwide election day on October 27.