Long lines and bad weather: Likud, Shas and Otzma Yehudit request extension of voting hours

The Likud, Shas and Otzma Yehudit parties have asked Central Elections Committee chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg to extend voting by one hour, citing heavy congestion and long queues at polling stations across Israel.

In a letter submitted on Likud’s behalf, attorney Ilan Bombach warned that prolonged waiting times could prevent citizens from casting their ballots before polling stations close.

“During Election Day, reports are being received of large and unusually extensive congestion, described as unprecedented, and long queues at polling stations across the country,” he wrote.

The delays, Bombach said, were “causing prolonged waits and raising real concern that many citizens will not have enough time to exercise their right to vote before the polling stations close.”

The letter also argued that the reports of long queues could discourage people who had not yet voted from leaving home, particularly as closing time approached.

“As the time for the closing of the polling stations approaches, there is growing concern that citizens who have not yet voted will refrain from leaving their homes and going to the polling stations, out of the belief that, given the long lines and the remaining time, they will not be able to vote anyway,” Bombach wrote.

“The fear of not being able to vote may deter voters from exercising their right even before they arrive,” he added.

Bombach also cited rainy weather as a reason to keep polling stations open for an additional hour, arguing that the conditions could make it harder for people to reach the polls.

“It should be remembered that many citizens still wish to come to the polling stations and exercise their democratic right,” he wrote. “We must not accept a situation in which a combination of rainy weather, long lines, and an approaching closing time causes them to forgo their vote.”

Members of the Yashar! party opposed the request, saying there was no justification for extending voting hours. They also accused the coalition parties of seeking to cast doubt on the election’s integrity.

“No exceptional event has occurred to justify approving the request, which is intended to create grounds for allegations against the integrity of the election, following the lies Netanyahu has been spreading since this morning,” they said.