Israel Election Ends in Deadlock Between Netanyahu and Eisenkot
Exit polls show a political stalemate in Israel's first election since October 7, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot securing a parliamentary majority.
Israel held its first general election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on October 27, 2026. The contest served as a referendum on the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, who campaigned on his wartime record and a strong endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump. His primary challenger, former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, led the centrist Yashar party on a platform of accountability and a state commission of inquiry into the security failures of October 7.
Exit polls indicate a political deadlock in the 120-seat Knesset. The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot is projected to win 52 to 53 seats, while the Likud-led coalition is projected to win 50. Arab parties achieved a record showing, potentially securing 17 to 18 seats, positioning them as kingmakers. However, both major blocs have expressed reluctance to partner with Arab parties, complicating the path to the 61-seat majority required to govern.
Election day saw record-breaking voter turnout, reaching 77.7 percent. The process was marked by high tension, including accusations from Netanyahu that Arab voters were trying to steal the election and reports of voter suppression in Arab communities. Netanyahu also faced criticism for using AI-generated images of a nuclear blast in Tel Aviv to warn of existential threats from Iran.
President Isaac Herzog will nominate a candidate to form a government once official results are published on November 4. If coalition negotiations fail, Israel may face another round of elections, leaving Netanyahu as caretaker prime minister.
