Netanyahu and Smotrich Hold Emergency Talks Amid High Voter Turnout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich held an emergency phone consultation on Tuesday hours before polling stations close, agreeing on a joint push to mobilize right-wing voters amid high turnout rates in the Arab sector.

The two leaders planned to convene dozens of local authority heads for an emergency meeting to coordinate intensified field operations until polls close. Smotrich canceled the remainder of his polling station tour and rushed to the Religious Zionism headquarters for a special situation assessment.

The push comes amid deep concern within Likud. A party official noted that last-minute mobilization efforts may not yield a significant shift, as right-wing voters have grown accustomed to warnings about losing power, comparing the situation to the boy who cried wolf. Meanwhile, voter turnout reached 44.9% by 2:00 PM, compared to 38.9% at the same hour in previous elections.

At the same time, Likud and Religious Zionism expressed concern over potential vote wastage on small parties failing to cross the electoral threshold. Netanyahu's senior adviser Topaz Luk urged voters considering small factions to consolidate their ballots, while efforts continue across the periphery and Judea and Samaria.