Ultra-Orthodox Parties Projected to Win 12-15 Knesset Seats

Exit polls from Channels 11, 12, and 13 project that Shas and United Torah Judaism will secure a combined 12 to 15 seats in the 120-member Knesset following the October 27 election. Shas is expected to win six to eight seats, while United Torah Judaism is projected to win six to seven.

Both parties campaigned on platforms focused on preserving the Orthodox Jewish character of Israel, opposing civil marriage, and protecting exemptions from military conscription for those engaged in Torah study. To maximize their influence, the parties recently signed a surplus vote-sharing agreement.

While both parties are members of Benjamin Netanyahu's political bloc, their support for a new government is not guaranteed. Shas's spiritual leader has indicated an openness to a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, creating uncertainty for Netanyahu as he seeks to secure a 61-seat majority.