Israel votes leave Netanyahu, Eisenkot locked in power race

What's happened

With 85% of votes counted, neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot has secured a majority. A unity government seems unlikely; a new election could be next. Herzog will consult with parties to form a government, but coalitions remain fragile as Arab parties gain a record share.

What's behind the headline?

Brief

• The vote has not produced a clear majority for either side.
• A unity government appears unlikely given public pledges and party alignments.
• Arab parties’ strong showing complicates any coalition.

What this means

• President Herzog will lead consultations to appoint a prime minister. A second round of elections remains possible if a coalition cannot be formed.
• Netanyahu is pushing for a strong right-wing government; Eisenkot’s camp rules out alliance with Arab parties.

Forecast

• The next weeks will see intense bargaining and potential realignments as blocs seek euro/coalition terms and support from smaller parties.

How we got here

Israel’s election night shows a fractured Knesset. Netanyahu’s bloc trails with about 53 seats; Eisenkot’s leads around 48, while Arab parties could reach a record 19 seats. Final tallies may be influenced by remaining votes from soldiers, diplomats, and others.

Our analysis

Axios reports that Netanyahu’s bloc has roughly 53 seats while Eisenkot’s is around 48; Arab parties may secure 19 seats. BBC Business notes a similar stalemate with potential scenarios including national unity or new elections. The Times of Israel highlights the role of President Herzog and the uncertainties ahead.

Go deeper

• What is the deadline for forming a government?
• Could Arab parties influence coalition dynamics more than before?
• When are the final results expected?

More on these topics

• Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran) - Country in the Middle East

  Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a

• Israel - Country in the Middle East

  Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.

• Benjamin Netanyahu - Prime Minister of Israel

  Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.

• Donald John Trump - 45th and 47th U.S. President

  Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.

• Naftali Bennett - Former Minister of the Economy of Israel

  Naftali Bennett is an Israeli politician who led the Jewish Home party between 2012 and 2018 and currently serves as an MK for New Right.

• Likud - Political party

  Likud, officially the Likud – National Liberal Movement, is a centre-right to right-wing political party in Israel. A secular party, it was founded in 1973 by Menachem Begin and Ariel Sharon in an alliance with several right-wing parties.

• The United States of America - Country in North America

  The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.