Netanyahu Bloc Gains in Israeli Election, Majority Remains Uncertain

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political bloc has gained ground in Israel's national election, but it remains short of the majority needed to form a government, leaving the country facing a potential political deadlock. With approximately 70% of votes counted, Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc stood at 54 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. His Likud party led with 27 seats, while former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party held 20.

Despite Netanyahu's lead, the parties outside his governing bloc collectively hold 66 seats, creating a potential path for the opposition. The results marked a shift from initial exit polls that had suggested a different outcome. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot claimed victory Tuesday night, but the focus has now shifted to coalition-building.

Former President Donald Trump commented on the election results, suggesting his endorsement of Netanyahu may have influenced the outcome. In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a statement crediting his endorsement for helping shift momentum in Netanyahu's favor. Speaking to reporters, Trump noted that the exit polls seemed incorrect and that Netanyahu had performed better than anticipated.

The growing influence of Arab parties has emerged as a significant factor in the election's outcome. According to partial results, the Joint List held 13 seats and Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, held six, giving Arab parties a combined 19 seats. Abbas indicated openness to negotiations, stating that parties from across the political spectrum had approached him.

Democrats leader Yair Golan advocated for forming a new government in cooperation with Arab parties. He asserted that Netanyahu had lost and that 65 seats are greater than 55, emphasizing that every Israeli citizen's vote should carry equal weight. However, Eisenkot has previously expressed opposition to including Ra'am in his coalition, and Netanyahu has warned against any government dependent on Arab parties.

There are three potential paths to forming a government: Netanyahu could attempt to expand his current coalition, Eisenkot could seek enough recommendations to be given the first opportunity to form a government (potentially including support from Arab parties without them joining the coalition), or a deadlock could lead to another election.

The final results are scheduled for Nov. 4, after which President Isaac Herzog will consult with parliamentary factions and select a lawmaker to attempt to form the next government. Until a new government is in place, Netanyahu will continue as prime minister.