Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot have both vowed to form the next government following a closely contested election that ended without a clear winner.
The election, held on Tuesday, October 27, marked Israel’s first national vote since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The campaign focused on national security, the wars that followed, the government’s handling of the 2023 attack and Netanyahu’s long political career.
Exit polls indicated that neither Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Eisenkot’s opposition alliance had secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Initial projections placed the two camps at approximately 51 seats each, although estimates varied among television networks. Final results are expected to determine the next steps.
Netanyahu called for the formation of a strong right-wing government and highlighted Israel’s military operations during his campaign. He also referred to cooperation with US President Donald Trump in confronting Iran.
Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, argued that voters had rejected Netanyahu’s continued leadership. He pledged to work quickly to form a government and warned against using national security for political purposes.
Arab-led parties made significant gains as turnout among Arab Israeli voters increased. Their parliamentary representation could prove decisive during coalition negotiations, although Eisenkot has ruled out forming a government with Arab lawmakers.
Israel’s fragmented political system means coalition negotiations could take weeks. If neither camp secures sufficient support, the country could face another election.
Until a new government is formed, Netanyahu is expected to remain caretaker prime minister. The outcome could shape Israel’s domestic policies, security strategy and regional relations.
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