Israel Prepares for 26th Knesset Elections: Free Transit, Rights and Sales
Israel prepares for the 26th Knesset elections on October 27, 2026, offering free public transportation, paid day-off rights, and retail discounts across the economy.
Israel is preparing for the 26th Knesset elections, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Ahead of election day, which is legally recognized as a paid day off, the market offers a wide array of rights, benefits, and special discounts for citizens.
Free Public Transportation and Travel Rules
To facilitate voter turnout, the Central Election Committee is financing free public transportation across the country. All railway lines will operate for free without distance limits or the need to present a voter slip. Free tickets can be obtained directly at station ticket machines or counters.
For intercity bus travel exceeding 15 kilometers, free rides will be available on more than 600 routes without needing to validate a Rav-Kav card. The free service begins on Monday, October 26, at 20:00 and continues through the end of election day services. Trips to and from Eilat require prior registration through the Egged call center based on official residential eligibility.
Short intercity routes under 15 kilometers, urban bus lines, the Tel Aviv Dan, the Jerusalem J-Net light rail lines, service Taxis, and cable cars remain subject to regular fares.
Election Day Sabbatical and Employee Rights
Under Article 10 of the Basic Law: The Knesset, election day is an official day off. Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 14 consecutive days prior to the election are entitled to a full daily wage without any deduction from their annual vacation quota.
Employees in essential or continuous sectors such as security, medical, entertainment, commerce, and transportation who agree to work are entitled to a heightened wage of 200% or regular pay plus a paid alternative day off. Election committee staff receive dedicated daily wages subject to a fixed 25% tax rate.
Shopping, Malls, and Leisure Offers
Election day is one of the strongest retail sales days in the Israeli economy, comparable to Black Friday. Major shopping centers operate at full capacity, offering promotional discounts ranging from 20% to 70% on transitional and winter collections, alongside VAT-offset promotions.
Nature reserves, museums, and heritage sites will open to the public, with many municipalities organizing free family tours and festivals. Hotel chains across Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Eilat, and northern Israel are introducing heavy promotional discounts and club member deals.
