JERUSALEM: Count the votes, calculate the seats, and watch the political alliances take shape — Israel’s election has delivered a result that is anything but straightforward.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have faced a strong challenge, but writing his political obituary would be premature. Early results suggest his bloc could emerge as the largest, even as neither his camp nor the opposition has secured a clear parliamentary majority.
According to The Washington Post, with around 70% of votes counted on October 28, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 54 seats, compared with 47 for the bloc led by his main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot. Arab-led parties were projected to secure 19 seats. The numbers could still change as counting continues.
Here’s the catch: Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has 120 seats, and a government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to command a majority. Leading the count doesn’t automatically mean winning the power game.
Israel’s political system relies on parties joining forces to form a governing coalition. That means the next prime minister may depend as much on post-election negotiations as on the votes already counted.
For Eisenkot, the challenge is finding enough partners to reach the 61-seat mark. Arab-led parties could prove crucial, but bringing them into a coalition would be politically difficult. Right-wing figures within Eisenkot’s broader camp, including Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett, have ruled out forming a government with Arab parties.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, still has possible routes back to power. His allies have suggested he could try to draw opposition lawmakers or parties into his camp. A unity government with Eisenkot could also be raised if Israel faces renewed conflict with Iran, though that remains a possibility rather than an agreed plan.
The vote comes after years of conflict and intense domestic divisions. Netanyahu’s leadership has been scrutinised over the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack and the wars that followed, as well as disputes over military-service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and the role of far-right parties in his government.
His supporters credit him with defending Israel’s security and interests. His critics accuse his government of deepening divisions and weakening democratic institutions. Those competing views have made the election a major test of public confidence in his leadership.
The result also puts Arab-led parties in a potentially influential position. Their projected gains could make coalition negotiations more complicated — particularly because Netanyahu has rejected forming a government that depends on their support.
The coming days could bring intense negotiations as political leaders try to assemble a viable majority. If neither camp can secure enough support, Israel could face a prolonged political stalemate or another election.
For now, the verdict is clear only on one point: Netanyahu has taken a political hit, but he is far from out of the race. The final outcome will depend on the remaining votes, the distribution of seats and which parties are willing to work together.
This article is based on early election figures reported on October 28, 2026. Seat projections may change as counting and coalition negotiations continue.