Voter turnout in Israel’s general elections reached 31.5% by noon local time (1000GMT) on Tuesday, the highest level recorded at that hour since 1973, according to the Central Elections Committee.

A total of 2.39 million Israelis had cast their ballots by noon, an increase of more than 3 percentage points compared with the previous election, according to the committee.

Extremist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attributed the high turnout to exceptionally strong participation among Arab voters and in left-wing strongholds.

In a social media post, Smotrich said the increase in participation was driven by unusually high voting rates in Arab communities and areas traditionally supporting left-wing parties.

Arab Knesset member Ahmad Tibi also reported unusually high participation, expressing confidence in a strong electoral performance.

“Polling stations are packed like never before, and I am confident we will achieve a major victory,” Tibi said in a press statement.

The remarks come amid efforts by Arab political parties and opposition leaders to mobilize voters in a closely contested election that could determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the communities of Ein Hod and Sde Nehemia recorded turnout rates of 25.7% and 25.4%, respectively, by 10 am.

Other communities, including Nes Harim and Odim, reported participation rates of 23.2% and 23%, respectively.

Earlier Tuesday, opposition leaders urged Israelis to vote in large numbers to end Netanyahu’s rule.

Opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman called for an end to the Netanyahu era, while Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition Yashar party, urged voters to support political change.

More than 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in Tuesday’s election to choose members of the 120-seat Knesset.

Polling stations opened at 7 am local time (0500 GMT) and are scheduled to close at 10 pm (2000 GMT).

The election is Israel’s first general vote since the start of its genocidal war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.

The vote comes amid deep political divisions over Netanyahu’s leadership, the Gaza genocide, Israel’s military confrontation with Iran and the country’s future political direction.

Netanyahu’s Likud-led coalition and opposition parties are competing to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.

​​​​​​​Recent opinion polls have suggested that neither bloc is assured of a majority, raising the possibility that Arab parties could play a significant role in determining the formation of the next government. (AA)