Israel Election Results 2026: Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot Blocs Neck and Neck as Vote Counting Continues

Israel's 2026 general election has ended without a clear winner, with exit polls indicating a closely contested battle between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc and the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. The October 27 election could reshape Israel's political leadership following years of war and domestic divisions, but neither camp appears to have secured the parliamentary majority needed to form a government. With Arab-led parties potentially holding the balance of power, coalition negotiations are expected to determine who leads the country next.

Israel Election Results 2026: What Do Exit Polls Show?

Exit polls released by Israeli television broadcasters suggested that Netanyahu's bloc was projected to win around 50 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot was expected to secure approximately 52–53 seats. Arab-led parties were projected to win 17–18 seats, potentially giving them a decisive role in government formation. Democrats Leader Yair Golan Calls for Unity with Arab Parties as Majority Eludes All in Israel Polls.

The projections are not final results, and the numbers may change as votes are counted. Neither of the two main political camps appears to be close to the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. The outcome therefore leaves Israel facing the possibility of prolonged coalition negotiations, a minority government or another election if political leaders fail to reach an agreement.

Benjamin Netanyahu Faces Challenge From Gadi Eisenkot

The election represents a major test for Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, whose leadership has faced intense scrutiny since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Eisenkot, a former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff and leader of the Yashar party, emerged as the main opposition challenger. He campaigned on the need for political change while highlighting his military experience and Israel's security challenges.

Although the exit polls point to a setback for Netanyahu's bloc, they do not establish Eisenkot as the clear winner. The opposition must still secure enough support from other parties to form a functioning government. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has indicated that he wants to establish a strong right-wing government, leaving open the possibility of difficult negotiations with smaller parties in his existing political camp. Updated Exit Polls in Israel Show Netanyahu's Bloc Even with Opposition, Majority Eludes All.

Arab Parties Could Hold the Key to Government Formation

Arab-led parties could become crucial to the next government's formation because neither of the two main blocs appears to have enough seats to govern independently. However, forming an alliance will not be straightforward. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have faced political obstacles to partnering with Arab-led parties. Their support from outside a coalition, or abstention in a parliamentary confidence vote, could nevertheless influence whether an opposition-led government becomes possible.

Smaller parties are also expected to play an important role in negotiations, potentially seeking policy commitments or government positions in return for their support.

Israel Election 2026: Key Issues Behind the Vote

The election took place against the backdrop of security concerns, public anger over the October 7 attacks and the wars that followed. It was the first national election since the 2023 Hamas-led attack and the ensuing regional conflicts.

Several domestic issues also shaped the political debate:

• October 7 security failures: Questions over the government's responsibility for the attacks and its handling of national security.

• Military service exemptions: Disputes over exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and demands for a more equitable sharing of military service.

• Judicial reform: Continuing divisions over changes to Israel's judicial system and the balance of power between government institutions.

• War and regional security: The consequences of the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, and the country's future security policy.

These issues have contributed to political polarisation and made it harder for rival parties to agree on a common governing agenda.

Voter Turnout Reaches Highest Level in More Than Two Decades

Voter turnout reached 77.7%, according to Israel's Central Elections Committee, the highest level in more than two decades and around seven percentage points above the turnout recorded in the 2022 election. The strong participation underscores the importance of the contest, although turnout alone does not determine which political bloc can form a government.

Israel's proportional electoral system allocates parliamentary seats according to parties' share of the vote. This means the party winning the most seats does not automatically secure the premiership. The ability to assemble a coalition commanding at least 61 seats is the decisive factor.

What Happens Next? Coalition Talks and Possible Fresh Elections

The official vote count is expected to clarify the final distribution of seats. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will then consult political leaders and ask the candidate considered most likely to form a government to attempt to assemble a coalition.

The designated candidate can have up to six weeks to form a government. If the effort fails, another candidate may be given an opportunity. If no viable coalition emerges, Israel could face another election in the coming months, while Netanyahu's government continues in a caretaker capacity.

For now, the election has left both major camps short of a clear path to power. The final results and the willingness of smaller parties to cooperate will determine whether Israel gets a new government or enters another period of political uncertainty.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 04:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).