Netanyahu and Eisenkot Face Uncertain Paths as Neither Secures Majority
Early counts show Netanyahu’s Likud as the largest party, but both leaders may need Arab parties to form a government.
Netanyahu’s Likud tops early results, but coalition math remains unclear
With results still trickling in, Israel’s veteran prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outperformed many forecasts, as his Likud emerged as the largest single party.
His existing bloc with ultra‑nationalist and ultra‑Orthodox parties appears to be just short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120‑seat parliament, though analysts warn the early count favored areas with strong right‑wing support.
Eisenkot’s challenge without Arab‑minority allies
Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival, is projected to struggle to command a parliamentary majority without the participation of parties led by Israel’s Arab minority, whose partial results have matched or exceeded their previous record.
On the campaign trail, most Jewish opposition parties pledged not to work with Arab‑majority lists, citing a lack of shared values.
Arab parties poised as potential kingmakers
Arab‑led parties could emerge as decisive players if other factions are willing to join forces with them. Arab Israelis—who often identify as Palestinian citizens of Israel and make up about one‑fifth of the population—appeared to turn out in unprecedented numbers.
Netanyahu would need to convince at least one smaller opposition party to join his coalition to secure a majority at this stage.
Turnout and lingering uncertainty
Voter turnout exceeded 77%, fueling expectations of a dramatic deadlock. However, a large number of uncounted absentee ballots—mostly from Israeli soldiers—means a definitive picture may not emerge for another day or two.
Leaders’ post‑vote statements
Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot addressed their supporters overnight, pledging to form the next government.
"The right‑wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public, among the Jewish public and all those who support the Jewish state. That is what has become clear. A decisive majority," Netanyahu told his celebrating supporters, stopping short of declaring victory.
He added, "We must form a strong, national, right‑wing government. That is what must be done."
With the final count still pending, Israel’s political future hangs in the balance, and the role of Arab‑led parties may prove pivotal.
