The Israeli elections reached the vote counting stage on October 27, 2026, and initial results indicate that the bloc supporting Benjamin Netanyahu is currently leading with 55 seats. Meanwhile, the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot has secured 49 seats. Neither side has yet reached the 61 seats required to form a majority, and it is not expected that they will reach this number.
Partial Results and the Impact of Absentee Votes
Arab parties are likely to secure 15 seats. These initial results may change as counting continues. In particular, votes from individuals who did not vote at their designated polling places, such as military personnel, will be counted later. This year, it is estimated that 650,000 absentee votes will count for about 14 seats in the Knesset. This means that absentee votes could significantly impact the final election results.
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Reactions from Netanyahu and Eisenkot
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has announced his intention to form a new right-wing government, despite exit polls indicating that no bloc has a clear majority. In remarks to his supporters, he stated, "We are still waiting for the real results" and emphasized that the Likud party is the largest party in Israel. Netanyahu also dismissed the possibility of forming a government with support from Arab parties.
Gadi Eisenkot, the opposition leader, has called for Netanyahu to resign, stating that voters have sent a clear message for change. In his speech in Jerusalem after the elections, he declared, "We have made history" and emphasized that the people voted against Netanyahu continuing as Prime Minister.
Eisenkot stressed that a "worthy leader" should accept the public will and announce their resignation, warning that holding another round of elections would be a mistake. He also cautioned Netanyahu against exploiting Israel's security for political needs.
The Israeli elections are viewed as a public referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If exit polls from major Israeli media are accurate, the public has clearly voted against the long-serving Prime Minister. Although Netanyahu's current coalition has 68 seats, polls indicate that his bloc will have between 50 and 51 seats.
Given the current results, it appears that neither bloc will be able to form a government without cooperation from the Arab party Ra'am. This party is emerging as a key force in Israeli politics and may play a vital role in the country's political future due to its recent successes in the elections.
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