Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, have failed to win a parliamentary majority in the country’s first election since the October 7 attacks, according to exit poll projections.
The projections by Israel’s Channel 12 News showed Netanyahu’s bloc securing an estimated 50 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of the 68 seats held by the previous coalition.
Eisenkot’s bloc was projected to win 52 seats, while Arab parties were expected to secure a record 18 seats, potentially positioning them as decisive players in efforts to form the next government.
A minimum of 61 seats is required to command a majority in the Knesset, meaning neither of the two main blocs appears capable of forming a government on its own based on the exit poll figures.
The outcome could trigger a fresh round of political bargaining, with rival parties expected to explore possible alliances to secure the numbers needed to govern.
The election also recorded the highest voter turnout since at least 1999, according to the exit polls, highlighting significant participation in a contest held amid the political repercussions of the October 7 attacks.
Officials are expected to commence the counting of ballots, while the final results are anticipated within 48 hours.
The official figures will be crucial in determining whether either bloc can attract support from smaller parties or whether negotiations will produce an alternative governing arrangement.
Coalition talks could stretch over several days or weeks, as political parties seek common ground on policy priorities and the composition of the next administration.
The exit poll projections therefore point to a potentially complicated post-election process, with the final outcome depending on the official results and the ability of party leaders to negotiate a workable parliamentary majority.
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