Over 300,000 Votes Wasted as Parties Miss Knesset Threshold
Final election results show over 300,000 votes were wasted on parties failing to cross the threshold, with Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelecha's faction coming closest.
More than 300,000 votes were cast for parties that failed to cross the electoral threshold in the recent elections, final results show. A total of 306,172 ballots went to parties that missed the 3.25% mark, alongside 25,983 invalid votes. Although high, this figure remains significantly lower than the 2022 elections, when over 417,000 votes were wasted on failing parties, helping the right-wing religious bloc secure 64 mandates.
The Reservists and Economic party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelecha, came closest to crossing the threshold among the unsuccessful factions. They received 154,950 votes, or 2.72% of the total, falling short by roughly 30,000 votes. In double envelopes, which include IDF soldier ballots, the party garnered 3.87%, but it ultimately proved insufficient to enter the Knesset.
Amcha Yisrael, founded by retired Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, also fell short of expectations despite an aggressive campaign and targeted support in specific localities. The party secured 95,663 votes, or 1.68% of the total. Meanwhile, various ultra-Orthodox and fringe factions, including HaTzibur HaHaredi led by Moti Leitner and Noam led by Avi Maoz, failed to make an impact, collecting tens of thousands or even mere hundreds of votes.
