Netanyahu Faces Eisenkot in Knesset Race for 120 Seats

Benjamin Netanyahu entered his second day as prime minister on Tuesday, facing a parliamentary vote that could determine whether he retains power. His coalition is projected to fall short of the majority needed to govern, forcing a search for partners among smaller factions. The race pits the longest-serving Israeli leader against Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief now heading the Yashar party.

Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time and concludes at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday. A total of 36 electoral lists are competing for the 120 seats in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. This contest aims to establish the country’s 38th government following the first elections held since the attacks of October 7, 2023.

Netanyahu’s alliance of right-wing, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox parties completed a full four-year term after taking office in December 2022. They were the first Israeli government since 1988 to serve out the entire term. Current polling data suggests his bloc will secure approximately 50 seats. This figure leaves the coalition 11 seats short of the 61 required to command a parliamentary majority.

Eisenkot’s Yashar party is currently polling ahead of Netanyahu’s Likud party. However, the opposition bloc also lacks the numbers to form a government independently. Palestinian-led parties are projected to win a combined 14 to 16 seats. Both the Netanyahu and Eisenkot camps have ruled out including these parties in their governing coalitions, making the balance of power dependent on other smaller lists.

Turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel may influence the final seat distribution. This demographic represents approximately 1.17 million eligible voters, or 18 percent of the total electorate. Arab48 reported high early turnout in Palestinian-majority towns. Pollsters estimate a turnout rate of 60 to 70 percent, a rise from the 53 percent recorded in 2022, which could help the Ra’am and Joint List parties reach their projected seat counts.

Television channels will broadcast exit polls as polling stations close on Tuesday. Unofficial results are expected to emerge overnight. The full count of votes is scheduled for completion by October 30, with official results set to be declared on November 4.