Behind the scenes of Election Day: 600,000 double envelopes, camera surveillance and the battle against AI

The control center of the Central Elections Committee is preparing for the elections to the 26th Knesset with about 100,000 workers, camera surveillance at every polling station, and dealing with AI-based disinformation. The committee expects 600,000 double envelopes that could decide the seat map.

Hours before the polling stations open for the elections to the 26th Knesset, the control and command center of the Central Elections Committee at the Knesset is at peak tension. Shlomi Heller's report for i24NEWS reveals the unprecedented technological and logistical preparations, including about 100,000 workers, digital tracking, and strict supervision arrays. Elad Naveh, director of the control center, says: 'We are always excited, but the team here is veteran, experienced, organized and ready.' One of the main challenges is the penetration of artificial intelligence (AI) into campaigns, as explained by cyber crisis management expert Einat Miron: 'The ability to fine-tune messages with AI could lead to personalized voice messages or texts, which would inform, for example, a specific voter that their polling station is closed.' Alongside the digital arena, the committee is tightening field supervision: at every polling station, an inspector will document unusual events and film the vote count. Another innovation is the publication of real-time voting data on the committee's website. The real drama is expected at night, with the arrival of about 600,000 double envelopes (soldiers, patients, prisoners, and diplomats) — a record number that could decide the seat map. Naveh concludes: 'Go vote, we'll do the rest.'