Israel Election Results Deadlocked Between Netanyahu and Opposition Bloc

Israel's national election—the first since the October 2023 Hamas attacks—has concluded with a deadlocked parliament, according to exit polls published after voting closed late Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot are currently neck and neck.

Both Netanyahu’s religious right-wing alliance and Eisenkot’s bloc are on track to secure 51 of Israel’s 120 parliamentary seats, according to two exit polls. A third exit poll placed Netanyahu slightly ahead, after earlier indicating an Eisenkot lead. With votes still being counted, the final seat distribution remains subject to change.

The results leave both contenders well short of the 61-seat majority required to form a ruling government without a second election. Netanyahu’s Likud party is projected to be the single largest party, while Eisenkot’s Yashar stands in second place. Voter turnout reached nearly 78% by 10 p.m., reflecting high engagement across the country.

Two Israeli Arab parties have emerged as potential kingmakers, forecast to win a combined 18 seats. Both parties have indicated support for Eisenkot to help prevent a new term under Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Yair Golan, leader of the leftist Democrats Party within Eisenkot’s bloc, stated that the public has voted for change and that the coalition is prepared to bridge differences and take responsibility.

Until a new government is finalized—a process that could take days or weeks—Netanyahu remains the prime minister. This status allows him to continue policy initiatives, including coordination with US President Donald Trump regarding military campaigns concerning Iran. Trump previously endorsed Netanyahu during the campaign.

Eisenkot has positioned himself as a more modest alternative while maintaining a firm stance on national security and curbing Iran's nuclear program. In Israel’s political history, no party has ever won an outright majority, making coalition negotiations standard practice. President Isaac Herzog will formally nominate the presumptive prime minister based on the final vote count and party recommendations.

Beyond national security, the election addressed several domestic matters, including the drafting of ultra-Orthodox young men into the military, the powers of the Supreme Court, and government transparency. Regarding the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, Eisenkot—like Netanyahu—has ruled out a two-state solution, though he has criticized government support for Israelis attacking Palestinians.

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