Netanyahu Bloc Leads Israel Polls, Misses Majority
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political alliance has emerged ahead in the country’s October 27, 2026, parliamentary elections but failed to secure the majority required to form a government. Results from the completed vote count show Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition winning 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, leaving Israel facing complicated coalition negotiations and the possibility of another election.
Netanyahu’s Likud Leads but Coalition Falls Short
Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest individual party, while his alliance of right-wing, far-right and religious parties secured 53 seats, eight short of the 61 needed for a parliamentary majority.
The opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats, while two Arab-led parties secured a combined 19 seats.
Although Netanyahu’s alliance finished ahead, neither political grouping has sufficient parliamentary support to govern independently.
Arab Parties Become Crucial to Israel Coalition Talks
The election results have placed the Arab-led Joint List and Ra’am parties in a potentially influential position during government formation discussions.
Their combined 19 seats could allow opposition parties to assemble a parliamentary majority. However, several opposition leaders previously ruled out governing alongside Arab-led parties, complicating negotiations.
President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult party leaders before selecting a candidate to attempt forming the next government.
Netanyahu’s Election Fraud Allegations Rejected
Netanyahu’s Likud party has alleged that foreign interference influenced Arab voter participation, including claims involving funding from Qatar.
The allegations have been rejected by the Arab parties and Qatar. Israeli election officials have also dismissed claims of widespread electoral irregularities as groundless.
The election was Israel’s first general election since the Gaza war began in October 2023 and the subsequent regional conflict involving Iran.
Netanyahu will remain in office during coalition negotiations. If parties cannot establish a government, Israel could face another parliamentary election.
