Partial results from Israel’s general election show veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading his primary challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, though his political bloc currently remains short of a parliamentary majority.
With 85% of the votes counted, Netanyahu’s Likud party alongside its far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies are projected to secure 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. In comparison, Eisenkot’s Yashar party and three associated opposition factions are on track to hold 48 seats. Both political figures have indicated their intentions to seek a governing coalition.
Crucial Ballots and Potential Kingmakers
The final outcome remains uncertain as election officials prepare to count between 430,000 and 480,000 absentee ballots cast by diplomats and military personnel. The full tally is expected to take a day or two to emerge.
Arab-led parties, including the United Arab List and the Joint List, are poised to win a record 19 seats amid high participation among Arab Israeli voters. While these factions could theoretically hold the balance of power, nearly all Jewish political parties have previously pledged not to form alliances with them. However, Democrats party leader Yair Golan urged opposition partners to consider a coalition alongside Arab parties, while Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen and United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas both expressed willingness to collaborate to replace the current administration.
High Turnout and Coalition Process
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the national turnout of 77.7%, calling it the highest level of voter participation the country has seen in more than two decades. Speaking at his Jerusalem residence, Herzog noted that official results are anticipated next week, after which he will hold formal discussions with all political factions before tasking a leader with government formation.
This election marks the first general vote in Israel since the 7 October 2023 attacks and the ensuing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Central campaign topics included responsibility for security lapses surrounding the 2023 attacks, regional military actions, military exemption policies for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, judicial reform proposals, and the country’s international relations.
Source: BBC News
