Voters Across Israel Cast Ballots in Twice Rescheduled Municipal Elections

Residents in 242 local authorities across Israel are heading to the polls today to elect their municipal leaders and council members, following two postponements due to the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza and conflict with Hezbollah along the northern border. However, 11 local authorities, notably those near the Gaza and northern borders, will delay their voting until November, accommodating residents currently living in hotels and temporary arrangements due to the conflicts.

The electoral process involves over 7 million eligible voters across 75 cities, 114 regional councils, and 44 local councils. There are 24,910 individuals running on 4,500 party slates, including 801 mayoral candidates, of whom only 83 are women.

In Jerusalem, incumbent Mayor Moshe Lion is anticipated to secure another term without significant opposition. However, competition for seats on the city council remains intense, including a historic bid by Sondos Alhot from Nazareth, aiming to become the first Arab woman on the council—should she meet the target of 7,500 votes. Tel Aviv’s mayoral race features a challenge to long-serving mayor Ron Huldai by Orna Barbivai, former economy minister and IDF major general. Also in the center, Bnei Brak sees Uriel Buso, the current Health Minister from Shas, running as the first non-Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox candidate for the city’s leadership.

Security measures have been ramped up, with 19,000 police officers patrolling polling stations and public areas to ensure voter safety. The Interior Ministry has prepared for the possibility of attacks complicating the voting process, especially following early morning missile barrages from Hizbullah.