Israel Election Deadlock Leaves Netanyahu and Eisenkot Without Majority

Israel's general elections on October 28, 2026, have resulted in a political deadlock in the 120-seat Knesset. Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats. Neither leader has reached the 61-seat threshold required to form a government, leaving the current administration in a caretaker role.

Arab parties achieved a record showing with 19 seats, positioning them as potential kingmakers. While Yair Golan has advocated for an alliance with Arab parties to unseat Netanyahu, Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Liberman have ruled out such a partnership. Eisenkot previously imposed conditions for talks with the Joint List, including the denunciation of Hamas and recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, which Joint List member Amjad Shbita rejected.

Netanyahu's Likud party has alleged that Arab parties used bribery and foreign interference to steal the election, prompting the Central Elections Committee to request a Shin Bet investigation into funding from Qatar and Turkey. Qatar has denied these claims. Meanwhile, Eisenkot has accused Netanyahu of using state institutions for personal political survival.

President Isaac Herzog has urged party leaders to maintain an open mind to avoid another round of elections. He is expected to hold consultations next week to determine which candidate will be tasked with forming a government. Potential outcomes include a minority government, a national unity government, or a repeat election.