Netanyahu’s bloc leads Eisenkot’s opposition, but neither side reaches the 61-seat majority.
Israel’s first general election since the October 7, 2023 attacks appeared headed for a political deadlock on October 28, with early seat projections placing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc ahead but short of a parliamentary majority.
Netanyahu Bloc Leads With 53 Seats
With approximately 77.6% of votes counted on the morning of October 28, Israeli media projected Netanyahu’s right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox bloc to win 54 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc was projected to secure 49 seats, while parties representing Arab Israelis were expected to win a record 17 seats. No bloc had reached the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority, and counting was continuing.
Netanyahu Expected to Remain Caretaker
The inconclusive result means Netanyahu is expected to remain caretaker prime minister during coalition negotiations and potentially until another election if no viable government can be formed. Netanyahu called for the creation of a strong right-wing national government, while Eisenkot acknowledged that his rival remained caretaker but argued that Netanyahu lacked a fresh governing mandate. Neither leader had secured the parliamentary numbers required to form a government outright.
Arab Parties Hold Significant Seat Share
The projected 17 seats for parties representing Arab Israelis could become important in determining the next government. Reuters reported that Eisenkot would have little apparent route to power without broad support from those parties, an arrangement many Jewish political leaders have historically rejected. High turnout among Israelis of Palestinian descent contributed to the record projected representation.
Security Debate Intensifies After Vote
Security policy quickly became part of the post-election confrontation. Netanyahu raised the possibility of renewed joint military action against Iran alongside US President Donald Trump, while Eisenkot warned Israel’s security and civil-service leadership against political pressure during the caretaker period. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of potentially using national security for political purposes.
Political Uncertainty Hits Israeli Markets
Political uncertainty following the inconclusive election weighed on Israeli financial markets. The shekel weakened by about 1.6% to approximately 3.10 shekels per US dollar, while major Tel Aviv stock indexes fell more than 3%. Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest in more than two decades, in Israel’s first general election since the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Israel’s election has given Netanyahu’s bloc a clear lead over Eisenkot’s opposition but not enough seats to govern alone, shifting attention toward coalition negotiations and the role of Arab parties. For Indonesians, the outcome is particularly relevant because developments in Israeli leadership can shape policies connected to Gaza and Palestine. For Singaporeans, the political uncertainty also carries implications for regional security and financial markets as Israel determines whether a stable governing coalition can be formed.
Sources: Reuters (2026) , The Daily Star (2026)
Keywords: Israel Election 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, Knesset Majority, Israeli Coalition, Israel Politics
