Israel election leaves Netanyahu and Eisenkot short of a majority
Early counting points to coalition negotiations with neither main bloc yet having secured the 61 seats needed to govern.
Follow-up to: Israelis vote in election seen as referendum on Netanyahu Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 18:02
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Israel’s election has produced no clear winner, with early counting showing neither Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s alliance close to a parliamentary majority. The early figures point towards coalition negotiations, although the final seat totals remain unsettled.
The new development came as votes were counted on Wednesday morning. With about 40% of ballots counted, Likud was reported to have won 21.70% of the vote, while Eisenkot’s Yashar party had 15.72%, according to figures cited by The Associated Press.
Neither side had secured the 61 Knesset seats required to form a majority. AP reported that exit polls also suggested no clear winner, but the early count did not establish the final balance of seats.
Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. Whether his bloc or Eisenkot’s alliance can assemble a majority remains unresolved.
The arithmetic leaves smaller parties with significant leverage. A government could require formal coalition partners, outside support or abstentions, and negotiations may take weeks. The final distribution of seats will depend on the completed count and the allocation of mandates under Israel’s electoral system.
The result does not itself determine who will become prime minister. If neither bloc secures a majority, support from smaller parties could help determine who can form a government.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Early counting and exit polls showed no clear winner.
- Neither main bloc had the 61 seats required for a majority.
- Coalition negotiations are therefore likely.
Left
Arguments The result can be read as a demand for a change of direction after years of war and a challenge to Netanyahu’s leadership.
Values Accountability, civilian protection and a government willing to negotiate.
Consequences A new coalition could alter policy on the conflict and domestic inequalities, but prolonged bargaining could also delay decisions.
Centre
Arguments The priority should be a stable coalition that can pass a budget and manage security policy, regardless of which leader forms it.
Values Institutional continuity, governability and compromise.
Consequences A broad coalition might moderate policy, but it could be fragile and dependent on competing small parties.
Right
Arguments The result should not weaken Israel’s security posture, and any government must be judged by its ability to protect the country.
Values National security, sovereignty and political stability.
Consequences A coalition reliant on parties with conflicting security positions could make decisive action harder.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Priya Shah — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article accurately reflects the reported early count and the absence of a majority. It does not present coalition outcomes as settled facts.
- confirmed Neither main bloc had secured the 61 seats needed for a majority. — Reported by AP from exit polls and early counting. source
- confirmed About 40% of ballots had been counted when the early figures were reported. — AP reported this counting stage. source
- confirmed Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. — Background stated in AP coverage. source
Editor's note
The early count and exit-poll picture are clear, but the final seat distribution and coalition are not yet known.Sources
- The Latest: As votes are counted, no clear winner emerges in Israel’s election — Associated Press
- Israeli election has no clear winner, exit polls suggest — Associated Press
The story so far
- Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 18:02 Israelis vote in election seen as referendum on Netanyahu
- Wednesday, 28 October 2026, 07:03 Israel election leaves Netanyahu and Eisenkot short of a majority (this article)
More on this in other media
- BBC News — „israel election”
- The Guardian — „israel election”
- Sky News — „israel election”