Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has emerged as the largest single party in the parliamentary election, but neither his right-wing bloc nor the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has secured a majority, according to preliminary results.
With around 90% of the votes counted, Netanyahu’s bloc is projected to win 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared with 48 seats for Eisenkot’s opposition grouping.
Arab-led parties, including the Joint List and Ra’am, are projected to secure a combined 19 seats. A minimum of 61 seats is required to form a majority government, according to reports.
Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest since 1999, reflecting strong public participation in an election held amid continuing debate over Netanyahu’s leadership, security failures surrounding the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
The counting of special double-envelope ballots, including votes cast by soldiers, diplomats and other eligible voters, remains crucial to determining the final results.
Arab-led parties could play a decisive role in coalition negotiations, although cooperation with them remains politically contentious.
President Isaac Herzog has urged political leaders to remain open to compromise and avoid another election.
Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. With both major blocs falling short of a majority, prolonged coalition negotiations or another election remain possible.
