By Sohaib Shams
Benjamin Netanyahu has pulled ahead in Israel's parliamentary election with nearly 92 percent of ballots counted, putting his right-wing bloc on course for 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset. The opposition alliance led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is projected to secure 48 seats, leaving Netanyahu's Likud party and its allies short of a majority but well positioned to remain in power.
Election Results and Arab Party Surge
Parties representing Israel's Arab citizens are set to win an unprecedented 19 seats, driven by high turnout among Arab voters in the first national election since the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent regional conflicts. Netanyahu secured an unexpectedly clear majority among Jewish voters, suggesting he may continue at least in a caretaker capacity.
Coalition Prospects
With neither bloc holding a majority, forming a government would require cooperation with Arab-led parties — a scenario Netanyahu has denounced as treasonous, warning against a "dangerous government" that includes them. Eisenkot has left the door open to such an alliance under conditions including recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and of Hamas as an extremist group, though some of his potential partners have ruled out any deal with Arab parties.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
President Isaac Herzog urged all factions to avoid a repeat election, saying he expects official results next week before beginning coalition consultations. The European Union praised Israel's "vibrant democracy" and a voter turnout of nearly 78 percent, the highest since 1999. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for Netanyahu's performance, citing a statement that his endorsement "turned the tide." Final results will include roughly half a million absentee ballots from military personnel and diplomats.
