Netanyahu and Eisenkot Claim Mandates as Israeli Vote Leaves Blocs Short of Majority

Neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot has secured a clear path to a governing majority following the Israeli general election, as partial results show both camps falling short of the 61 seats required in the 120-seat parliament. The preliminary counts indicate that Likud has emerged as the largest single party, a result that exceeded many pre-election forecasts. However, analysts note that the early tally is skewed toward right-wing strongholds, meaning the final numbers could shift as the count concludes.

Turnout in the election exceeded 77 percent, marking a surge in participation that many observers attributed to the high stakes of the contest. The vote served as a referendum on the current government’s hardline religious and nationalist direction, as well as a challenge to Netanyahu’s leadership while he faces a corruption trial. Despite four years of conflict and domestic polarization, voting patterns have remained stable, with the relative strength of the pro-Netanyahu and anti-Netanyahu blocs appearing largely unchanged from previous cycles.

A defining feature of this election was the high turnout among Arab Israelis, who represent one-fifth of the population. According to partial results, Arab-led parties have matched or exceeded their previous record number of seats. This performance positions them as potential kingmakers, a role that has become more contentious since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Most Jewish opposition parties, including the Yashar party led by Eisenkot, campaigned on a platform of defeating the current government but pledged not to form a coalition with Arab-majority lists.

Netanyahu addressed his supporters overnight, declaring that the right-wing bloc has achieved a decisive majority among the Jewish public. He stated, "We must form a strong, national, right-wing government. That is what must be done." Eisenkot, conversely, told his party that the public has chosen change and that the coalition of failure has lost trust. He added, "I will work with my partners to ensure that the people's decision is translated into a Zionist government: stable and good for all of Israeli's citizens. And quickly." Both leaders stopped short of formally declaring victory, acknowledging the need for coalition negotiations.

The final results are not expected for another day or two due to a large volume of uncounted absentee ballots, primarily from Israeli soldiers. Once the final counts are presented to President Isaac Herzog next week, he will consult party leaders and task the candidate most likely to form a coalition with that job. If a majority cannot be assembled within six weeks, other candidates may be given the opportunity. If no coalition is formed, a new election will be scheduled, and the current government will remain in a caretaker capacity without the power to enact major policy changes.

Negotiations have already begun, with parties vying for cabinet positions and budgetary commitments. Mansour Abbas, head of the Ra’am party, expressed confidence that potential partners would be open to an alliance after the election, noting that politicians often speak differently after voting. Avigdor Lieberman, a leader of the opposition change bloc, maintained that he would not sit in a minority government reliant on Arab support, reflecting the deep mistrust between some Jewish and Arab political figures.