Netanyahu falls short of majority in 26th Knesset election
- Netanyahu's alliance secured 53 seats, falling short of the 61-seat majority.
- The Opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats.
- Arab parties hold 19 seats and are now viewed as potential kingmakers.
- Coalition negotiations are underway and could last several weeks.
- The election follows nearly three years of war in Gaza and conflict with Iran.
In the general election for Israel’s 26th Knesset, or parliament, held on October 27, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu’s alliance took the lead, yet it did not reach a majority.
During that same election, the Opposition bloc, under the leadership of Gadi Eisenkot, obtained 48 seats. With primary support from Israel’s Palestinian minority, Arab parties claimed 19 seats.
To establish a government, an alliance or party is required to hold 61 seats.
Coalition negotiations begin as Arab parties emerge as kingmakers
As neither alliance achieved a majority, Arab parties are now seen as kingmakers regarding the process of forming a government. Israeli parties are entering a period of coalition negotiations that may last several weeks.
Should these negotiations prove unsuccessful and a government remains unformed, a new election will take place.
Electoral Commission rejects claims of poll irregularities
Before the polls, both major alliances stated they would not form coalitions with the Raam and Joint List Arab parties. Netanyahu’s bloc claimed on Thursday that Arab-Israeli groups, in particular Raam, obtained foreign funding from Qatar aimed at swaying the vote.
The accusations of foreign funding were rejected by both the Arab parties and Qatar.
Election follows three years of Gaza conflict and war with Iran
Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking another term as prime minister after nearly three years of war on Gaza. The Israeli military offensive began in October 2023 after Hamas killed 1,200 people and took hostages during an incursion into southern Israel.
Since October 2023, Israeli air and ground strikes in Gaza have left at least 74,000 persons dead.
Regional powers monitor Board of Peace and Abraham Accords
The regional landscape in the Middle East has undergone significant changes since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. For roughly ten months, the US-backed Board of Peace has worked on creating a peace framework for Gaza that addresses security, reconstruction, and Hamas disarmament.
Regional governments are monitoring the Trump administration's actions closely, as it remains central to the Board of Peace initiative. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 during Benjamin Netanyahu’s term, sought to foster economic and security cooperation between Israel and regional partners.
The UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco have continued their relations with Israel despite recent regional conflicts. Saudi Arabia's potential normalization with Israel remains tied to the Palestinian issue, while the kingdom has also strengthened ties with Turkey and Pakistan.
Security concerns dominate Israel-Syria border strategy
Turkey's influence in Syria expanded following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. Regional governments evaluate Israel based on its actions rather than its election outcomes, with Syria serving as a primary example.
The current government in Damascus is prioritizing the consolidation of its control, economic recovery, and the strengthening of relationships with neighboring countries. Although Damascus considered improving relations with Israel in 2025, Israeli leadership has made it clear they are not interested in such an agreement.
The most recent meaningful progress toward a deal between Israel and Syria took place in January with the backing of the United States. The war with Iran has diverted attention from Syria, resulting in the replacement of diplomatic strategy with Israel Defense Forces tactical operations along the border.
Israel is currently focused on addressing security threats in southern Syria and ensuring the protection of the Druze community. While a different Israeli government might pursue a more flexible diplomatic approach toward Damascus, security concerns regarding the Golan Heights will remain.
Middle East neighbors adopt trust but verify approach
Jordan and Egypt continue to uphold peace treaties with Israel, maintaining a focus on regional stability and border security. Jordan specifically monitors the status quo of Holy Sites in Jerusalem and the West Bank, expressing significant criticism of Israel at this year's United Nations General Assembly.
Egypt remains a central diplomatic player regarding Gaza, with its president working to minimize tensions with Israel. Governments across the Middle East have become increasingly cynical and pessimistic regarding the potential for change in Israel.
Regional nations are now prioritizing their own economic development, trade corridors, infrastructure projects, and security partnerships. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, are rethinking their strategies due to concerns that Israel's current government acts aggressively and seeks to become a regional hegemon.
Netanyahu maintains ties with Trump amid regional leadership shifts
Before the election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted an image depicting an Iranian nuclear strike on Israel. US President Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu twice.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Benjamin Netanyahu have been the leaders of Turkey and Israel, respectively, for the majority of the last two decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google