28th October 2026 – (Jerusalem) Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp held a narrow advantage after roughly half of Israel’s votes were counted, yet remained short of a governing majority, setting the stage for intensive bargaining to form the next coalition. Partial tallies indicated the prime minister’s bloc on 55 seats, Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition on 49 and Arab parties on 16 in the 120‑seat Knesset, figures that may shift as counting continues but which leave neither side with a clear route to 61.
Turnout approached 78 per cent, the highest in more than two decades, underscoring the gravity of the first national vote since the Hamas‑led attacks of 7th October 2023. Earlier exit surveys had shown the two main blocs running virtually level at around 51 seats apiece, well below the threshold for power, highlighting the pivotal role of smaller factions and the potential influence of Arab parties on confidence and supply from outside government.
Addressing supporters in Jerusalem shortly after 3.00am, Mr Netanyahu called for a “strong government of the right” and urged the “Jewish and Zionist majority” to unite, while stopping short of claiming victory. At 77, Israel’s longest‑serving leader would continue as caretaker prime minister during coalition negotiations if no immediate breakthrough emerges, a scenario that has followed past inconclusive elections.
Mr Eisenkot, 66, speaking in Tel Aviv, warned the incumbent not to use national security for political leverage and argued that the public had voted for change. He ruled out forming a coalition with Arab parties but could seek their parliamentary backing to sustain a minority administration, a path he has previously been reluctant to embrace and which Mr Netanyahu has also rejected as lacking legitimacy.
The fragmented outcome reflects a campaign dominated by security, accountability and Israel’s strained international standing amid the war in Gaza and tensions with regional adversaries.
