<p>The IDF reports that as of 5:00 PM, the voting rate among those serving in the IDF stands at 68%, compared to 65% at the same time in the elections for the 25th Knesset.</p>

Amid overcrowding at polling stations, Shas and Otzma Yehudit have joined Likud's request to extend voting hours. The Yashar Party argues that there is no justification for the move.

Channel 12's Amit Segal reports strong participation in Arab, center-left, and Likud strongholds.

Shas and United Torah Judaism campaign headquarters fear a loss of strength amid high voter turnout nationwide and are activating emergency operations to get voters to the polls.

<p>The Central Elections Committee will convene at 7:15 PM for a meeting chaired by the committee's chairman, Judge Noam Solberg. During the meeting, the request from the coalition factions to extend voting hours at polling stations, following the unusual congestion reported during the day, will be discussed, among other things.</p>

Polls open across Israel as 7.3 million eligible voters choose the next Knesset, with exit polls expected at 10 p.m. and a close race potentially ahead.

Melania Trump announces the ceasefire took effect two days ahead of schedule to protect civilians and deliver critical humanitarian aid to the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city, with the truce expected to last until November 1.

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, cast their ballots at a Jerusalem polling station</p><p>"This is a fateful moment; we know what is at stake. Vote for the future of the State of Israel," Netanyahu stated.</p><p>[youtube:2180567]</p>