Over 8,500 voting stations opened around Israel at 07:00 to permit 5.5 million eligible voters to cast their ballots for local government. Those who emerge the victors will serve a five-year term of office. Israel Police reports 13,000 members of the force are assigned to maintain order on Election Day. 

There are approximately 700 candidates running in 191 cities and municipalities and an impressive 1,900 lists competing for city council seats around the country.

Polls close at 22:00. Official results are expected during the early morning hours of Wednesday, 19 Cheshvan 5774.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)