Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, have both vowed to form the next government after a closely contested parliamentary election left Israel facing political uncertainty. Early results showed neither camp securing the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
The election, held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, was Israel’s first parliamentary vote since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, which triggered a prolonged period of conflict across the Middle East. Voters were asked to assess Netanyahu’s leadership amid security concerns, military campaigns and growing divisions within Israeli society.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, called for a strong right-wing government and urged what he described as the Jewish and Zionist majority to unite. However, he stopped short of declaring an outright victory as the counting continued.
Eisenkot, a former military chief leading the opposition’s Yashar party, argued that the election had demonstrated a desire for political change. He urged Netanyahu to step aside and warned against using national security concerns for political advantage.
Early Results Show No Clear Majority
With more than two-thirds of ballots counted on Wednesday, Netanyahu’s coalition was projected to win approximately 54 seats, while Eisenkot’s opposition bloc held around 47 to 48 seats. Arab-led parties were projected to secure another 18 to 19 seats, potentially making them influential in determining the next government. The figures remain provisional as vote counting continues.
Turnout reached approximately 77.7%, the highest level in more than two decades, highlighting the importance of the election for Israel’s political future. Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest individual party, but the performance of its far-right allies complicated efforts to secure a governing majority.
Arab Parties Could Hold the Key
The strong performance of Arab-led parties has added another layer of complexity to the coalition negotiations. Their increased representation could potentially help Eisenkot’s bloc secure parliamentary support, although both major political camps have faced internal resistance to relying on Arab lawmakers.
Netanyahu’s allies have ruled out partnering with Arab parties, while Eisenkot has also expressed reservations about governing with them. The possibility of an externally supported minority government or a broader political arrangement remains uncertain.
Coalition Talks to Determine Israel’s Next Government
The election result is expected to trigger negotiations among political parties as they attempt to assemble a viable coalition. If neither side can secure sufficient parliamentary support, Israel could face an extended period of political deadlock or another election.
The outcome will have significant implications for Israel’s domestic politics, relations with Arab communities and approach to regional security, particularly amid continuing tensions surrounding Gaza and Iran.
For now, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot are claiming the political mandate to lead, but neither has demonstrated a clear path to a stable majority. The coming coalition negotiations will determine whether Israel continues under Netanyahu’s leadership or enters a new political chapter.
