Israel Election Deadlock Leaves Netanyahu as Caretaker Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister after a record-turnout election left neither his right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot's opposition with a parliamentary majority.
Israel's general elections on October 27, 2026, resulted in a legislative deadlock, with neither major political camp securing the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. While Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party emerged as the largest single party, his right-wing bloc is projected to hold approximately 53 to 56 seats. The opposition bloc, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, trails with roughly 47 to 49 seats.
Arab-led parties achieved a historic showing, securing between 16 and 19 seats due to record voter turnout. This positioning makes them potential kingmakers, though deep ideological divisions persist. Yair Golan and other opposition figures have urged a government of change through partnership with Arab parties, while Netanyahu has dismissed such coalitions as "treasonous."
President Isaac Herzog has urged party leaders to maintain an open mind to avoid another round of elections. Netanyahu currently serves as caretaker prime minister, a role that allows him to maintain control over national security and foreign policy. He has called for a "strong, right-wing government" and proposed joint military action with U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the threat from Iran.
Donald Trump claimed his endorsement "turned the tide" for Netanyahu, though he privately expressed a preference that the next coalition exclude far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Meanwhile, the political uncertainty triggered a sharp decline in the Tel Aviv 125 stock index. Official results are expected by early November, with the final outcome depending on the count of over 600,000 absentee ballots.
