Final election results released early Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have lost their parliamentary majority. Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats in Tuesday’s election, while the main opposition bloc won 48 seats. Arab-led parties secured the remaining 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset.
The outcome leads to a period of negotiation as parties attempt to form a coalition of at least 61 seats. Current Prime Minister Netanyahu remains in office while his opponents consider whether to partner with Arab-led parties to reach a majority. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of a right-wing faction with seven seats, stated Friday that his party would not partner with Arab-led parties, whom he described as "supporters of terrorism."
Before the final results were announced, Netanyahu and his Likud party alleged that Arab-led parties had "stolen" the election, potentially with foreign assistance. Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, head of the election committee, asked the Shin Bet security agency to investigate "serious suspicions" of foreign interference. The election commission later clarified that the investigation was based on classified intelligence and that reports regarding the probe had been "entirely unfounded" and would not affect the final results.
For Prime Minister Netanyahu, the loss of a parliamentary majority carries specific implications. A change in government would likely lead to the launch of an official inquiry into security failures surrounding the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. Additionally, Netanyahu faces an ongoing corruption trial, and his critics stated he has sought to remain in office to maintain his political strength during these legal proceedings. If a coalition cannot be formed, the country may face another election, impacting national budgets and long-term policy planning.
What happens next: The election results are scheduled to be certified and submitted to President Herzog next Wednesday, Nov. 4. The President will then task a party leader with the responsibility of forming a new government. The new Knesset is expected to be sworn in on Nov. 10. If the designated leader fails to form a coalition within the legal timeframe, Herzog may task another candidate or the country will head to new elections early next year. Any legislative changes or appointments for a new Knesset speaker could begin as soon as the body convenes on Nov. 10.