Exit polls from major Israeli television networks indicate that Tuesday’s legislative election resulted in a stalemate, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition nor the opposition securing a clear majority. While Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest single party, early data suggests a majority of Israelis voted for parties opposing his current government. Both Netanyahu and his primary challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, now face a period of negotiations to attempt to form a coalition in the 120-seat Knesset.
This election marked the first national vote since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, an event authorities described as a significant security failure. The vote occurred while Israel remains engaged in military conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and following confrontations with Iran. During the campaign, Netanyahu argued he required more time to complete ongoing military operations, while the "change bloc" led by Eisenkot focused on removing Netanyahu from power.
Exit polls showed a historic turnout for the Arab minority, with two Arab parties winning more seats in parliament than in any previous election. Arab citizens comprise approximately 20% of the population. Despite this, both Netanyahu and his opponents stated during the campaign that they would not form a government reliant on Arab parties. Eisenkot, whose Yashar party features a candidate list that is roughly 50% women, called on Netanyahu to retire following the exit poll results, while Netanyahu maintained that he needs more time to finish military campaigns.
If a stalemate persists, the precedent set between 2019 and 2022 suggests the country could be headed for another election. Recurring cycles of elections typically lead to legislative gridlock.
What happens next involves a period of coalition building where parties negotiate. If the opposition "change bloc" seeks to form a minority government, they would need the Arab parties to either vote in favor or abstain. However, if no leader can secure a majority, a new election will be triggered. Israeli police also reported one arrest on election day involving a man with a knife near a politician.