Israel Elections: Ambassador Bass Casts Vote at Israeli Embassy in Nepal
The Ton News | Special Report
KATHMANDU, Nepal — Israel’s Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Shmulik Arie Bass, cast his vote at the Embassy of Israel in Nepal on Thursday, October 15, 2026, ahead of Israel’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Ambassador Bass was joined by Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Janan Bebar and other Israeli mission staff, who exercised their voting rights in the election to select members of Israel’s Knesset, the country’s parliament.
Speaking after casting his vote, Ambassador Bass described the occasion as a special day for Israeli democracy.
“Today is a special day—the Day of Democracy in Israel. After several years, this election is taking place in accordance with the law, exactly four years after the last parliament, as it should be in a democratic state,” he said.
The Israeli envoy added that he was exercising his right to vote as a citizen of a democratic state.
Israel to Elect 120 Members of Parliament
Israel’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 27, 2026, to elect all 120 members of the 26th Knesset.
According to the information provided, the outgoing 25th Knesset is the first Israeli legislature since 1988 to complete its full four-year term without early dissolution, marking a significant development following years of political instability.
Israel follows a parliamentary system in which voters elect political parties rather than directly electing the prime minister. The prime minister must secure the support of a majority in the 120-member Knesset through a governing coalition.
Political parties must receive at least 3.25 percent of the total vote to qualify for parliamentary representation. According to the report, 38 parties are contesting the election, although projections suggest that approximately 15 may cross the electoral threshold.
Israeli Diplomatic Missions Open Overseas Polling Stations
Voting for eligible Israeli diplomatic personnel and their families began at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide ahead of the October 27 election.
According to the report, 101 polling stations were opened across 99 Israeli diplomatic missions, allowing approximately 4,800 eligible voters to participate.
The Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, was the first diplomatic mission to open its polling station, with voting beginning at 9 a.m. local time on Thursday.
The Israeli Consulate in New York City reportedly has the largest overseas polling station, with more than 700 eligible voters.
Israel generally does not provide ordinary overseas absentee voting for all citizens living abroad. Special voting arrangements are available for eligible diplomats, diplomatic staff, military attachés and their family members.
Meanwhile, early voting for Israeli soldiers stationed at military bases is expected to begin the following week.
After voting concludes at the diplomatic missions, sealed ballot envelopes will be transported to Israel and forwarded to the Knesset for counting.
The Ton News | Special Report
Source: News report and information accompanying photographs provided by the Embassy of Israel in Nepal.
