Israeli Elections: Unclear Outcome but High Voter Turnout
As of Wednesday morning, with most votes counted in Israel’s important parliamentary election, no clear winner has emerged. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ahead of his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, in the official tally. However, the collective opposition, including two Arab-led groups, holds more votes overall than Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, reflecting widespread voter discontent with his government.
Both leaders prematurely claimed victory. Eisenkot, a center-right former military chief promising diplomacy over extremism, declared, “We made history! The public has voted for change.” Netanyahu asserted, “The right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public.” Despite their announcements, the tight race suggests potential weeks of political uncertainty.
To govern, a party needs a coalition of 61 members in the 120-seat Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Final results depend on post-election negotiations. Eisenkot, leading the Yashar (“Straight”) party, appeared confident, even waving an Israeli flag as exit polls were unveiled.
“Arab voters, about 20% of Israel’s population, could influence the outcome due to two Arab-led parties: the United Arab List and the Joint List.” — Election Observation.
Despite their potential influence, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot’s groups have resisted partnerships with Arab-led parties. Voter turnout was over 77%, the highest in two decades, with many expatriates returning to vote.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces divided public opinion. The issues are complex. Many Israelis question his ability to protect them after the devastating Hamas attack, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, with nearly 1,200 killed and others taken hostage. Reports indicate that the government had warnings of the attack, which led to military actions resulting in significant Palestinian casualties and Gaza’s destruction. Netanyahu faces international accusations of war crimes amid strained global relations, notably with the U.S.
Netanyahu’s supporters claim his military actions have restored security. Yet, public support, especially in the U.S., has waned. A 2025 poll noted that a majority of Israelis felt indifferent to Gaza’s plight. At a post-election event, aggressive military imagery was used, stirring nationalist sentiments. Trump has publicly supported Netanyahu, hinting at potential military actions against Iran.
With the close race, vote counting, including military ballots, continues. Final results are expected by Thursday afternoon. The winning party has six weeks to form a coalition. In Israel’s parliamentary system, where no single party wins outright, negotiations are crucial.
Eisenkot’s party mixes centrist and moderate-right figures. His opposition bloc ranges from right to liberal left, aiming to exclude a Netanyahu-led government. Yet, tensions with Arab leaders persist despite potential coalition advantages. Failure to form a government might see Netanyahu remain as caretaker, potentially leading to another election next year.
With uncertainty high, Israel waits to see if a government can be formed or if electoral rounds will continue.