Israel Election Results: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Tie as Arab Parties Become Decisive in 120-Seat Knesset

Israel held five parliamentary elections between 2019 and 2022 as parties struggled to form stable coalitions. Benjamin Netanyahu served as prime minister for nearly 19 of the past 30 years while navigating recurring political crises. The government fell in 2021 due to budget disputes. A coalition opposed to Netanyahu held power until 2022.

The election on October 27, 2026, marks the first parliamentary vote since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Gadi Eisenkot, who served as chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces from 2015 through 2019, joined Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet following the 2023 attacks. Eisenkot resigned in June 2024, citing a lack of post-war strategy.

The upcoming vote reflects ongoing public debate over national leadership and security policy. The election took place amid heightened regional tensions, including a deadly October 23 shooting in Hebron that led to the closure of West Bank crossings and a dispute over potential military operations against Iran. Days before the vote, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to demand an independent inquiry into the October 7 security failures, a call that Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected in favor of a political commission.

1. The Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, secured 24 seats. That result made Likud the largest party in the Knesset.

2. Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to form a right-wing government following the election. Netanyahu stated that Israel has a unique opportunity with Donald Trump to remove the threat from Iran.

3. The Guardian reported that Donald Trump endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu during the campaign. Trump later claimed credit for the election results. He described the outcome as a potential win or a come-from-behind stalemate.

4. Voter turnout reached 77.7% on October 27, 2026. This marks the highest participation in a Knesset election since 1999.

1. Exit polls indicate a deadlock. Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc is projected to win 51 seats.

2. Gadi Eisenkot publicly stated that the Israeli public has voted against Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. He suggested the prime minister should retire from politics following the election results.

3. Gadi Eisenkot pledged to end Hamas rule within 18 months of taking power. He promised to curb military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students. Eisenkot also opposes Palestinian statehood.

4. Election officials have not yet counted 600,000 ballots from special polling stations, including military bases and hospitals. Officials expect to tally these votes after October 27, 2026. The final seat distribution remains uncertain until the count finishes.

5. Exit polls indicate two Arab parties may win a combined 17 to 18 seats.