Netanyahu bloc holds 55 seats as Eisenkot claims election win

Record voter turnout marks Israeli election

Voter turnout for the 2026 election reached 77.7 percent by the close of polls at 10 p.m. on October 27, representing 5,695,682 voters. This represents the highest poll-closing turnout since 1999 and the highest recorded in over a quarter-century.

Elsewhere, the BJP prepares for assembly elections in five states early next year, where the party currently governs four.

Neither bloc secures 61-seat majority

No political group has secured the 61-seat majority required for a government in the 120-seat Knesset.

Initial forecasts by Channels 11 and 12 estimate Netanyahu’s bloc at 50 seats, while Eisenkot’s bloc is projected to hold 52 to 53 seats. According to CNN, Channel 12 projections indicate a decline for Netanyahu’s bloc from 68 seats in the prior parliament to 50.

Gulf News reported that exit polls suggest the Netanyahu bloc is collapsing. Conversely, Channel 14, a pro-Netanyahu outlet, projected 60 seats for his coalition and 43 for the opposition.

Exit polls indicate that weeks of coalition negotiations may be necessary to resolve the deadlock.

Eisenkot claims victory while Netanyahu seeks nationalist government

Gadi Eisenkot claimed a "complete victory" for his political bloc following the election results. He stated he would "act immediately" to replace the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Eisenkot pledged to usher in "a new era — an era of hope" and said he is willing to explore all available coalition options.

Netanyahu called for the formation of a "strong, right-wing, nationalist government". He refused to partner with Arab parties, describing them as "anti-Zionist".

Coalition negotiations and potential for new elections

A member of parliament will be commissioned by President Isaac "Buji" Herzog to establish a government. This process of forming a government could take weeks to complete.

Israel could face another round of elections in early 2027 if a government majority does not form. Prolonged deadlock in the coalition negotiations could also lead to new elections.

Specific party seat projections and results

Likud holds 21.4 percent of the vote, and the Yashar party holds 16.2 percent. Projections from Channels 11, 12, and 13 place Likud at 24 to 25 seats, while the Yashar party expects 21 to 23 seats.

Kan 11 provides a detailed breakdown of the projected seat count. It lists Likud with 25 seats, Yashar with 21, B’Yachad with 14, and the Democrats with 10. The Joint List is projected to hold 10 seats, Yisrael Beytenu 8, and Ra’am 7. Otzma Yehudit, UTJ, Shas, and Religious Zionism are each projected to receive 6 seats.

Israeli-Arab lists overall are expected to secure 17 to 18 seats. This total reaches 60 seats if Ra’am is included, which remains one seat short of a majority.

Far-right influence and Arab party roles

The possibility of Gadi Eisenkot working with Arab-led parties depends on their acknowledgment of Israel as a Jewish state. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right national security minister, is a significant loser in the current results.

The Jerusalem Post reported that exit polls suggest a minority government might win a confidence vote, though internal opposition to relying on Arab parties creates complications.

Historical context of Israeli electoral volatility

Israel held 5 election cycles between April 2019 and November 2022. This history highlights the nation's electoral volatility.

Final results expected in coming days

The final election results are expected in the coming days. These figures will include absentee ballots from diplomatic and military personnel.