From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 17, 2026
Likud primary polling station in Tel Aviv empty as turnout stands at 19%
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
With just over six hours left until polls close, the Likud primary polling station in Tel Aviv is nearly deserted, with few voters in the cavernous Heichal Shlomo arena in north Tel Aviv.
Stands in support of various candidates in front of the venue are mostly open, as activists standing outside the polling station rush at the small number of voters present to loudly proclaim the virtues of their chosen contenders.
While the Likud party itself has not reported voter turnout, Channel 13 reports that it currently stands at 19% of eligible party members, with polls still open until 9 p.m.
According to the Israel Democracy Institute, turnout in the three most recent Likud primaries averaged approximately 57%.
There is no online voting in today’s primary election.
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