Israel Election 2026 Shows Netanyahu and Eisenkot Short of Majority Seats

Israel's 2026 Knesset election results show no clear winner as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot both fall short of the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. Updated polls on October 25 showed both blocs at around 51 seats each in the 120-seat Knesset. Arab-led parties, which are not aligned with either main camp, were projected to win 17 to 18 seats, their strongest showing to date.

Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest in 27 years for a Knesset election. Eisenkot declared victory based on preliminary exit polls and stated he should have the first chance to form a government. However, exit polls are not official results; the formal count is scheduled to be published on November 4. The election was seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership, especially after events following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

The strong performance of Arab parties could influence coalition negotiations, with leaders such as Mansour Abbas indicating their votes might change the government. Analysts note that even if Eisenkot's alliance secures slightly more seats, forming a stable government may require support from Arab and left-wing parties. The election outcome leaves the Israeli government formation uncertain, with political negotiations expected to be complex.