Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc was leading its rivals in the country’s general election on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, but remained short of the seats needed to command a parliamentary majority, according to partial results reported by AFP.
With 51.8% of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to hold 55 seats in the 120-member Knesset. The figures indicated that, despite its lead, the bloc would need additional support to secure a majority and form a government.
The early count pointed to a potentially complex coalition-building process, with the opposition bloc and Arab parties likely to play an important role in determining the next government.
Partial Results Leave Government Formation Uncertain
Israel’s parliament has 120 seats, meaning a bloc generally needs at least 61 seats to secure a majority. The partial results showed Netanyahu’s camp below that threshold, leaving the final balance of power unresolved.
The report said an opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot could have enough seats to form a majority if it reached a coalition agreement with Arab parties. Such an arrangement would depend on negotiations and the positions of the parties involved.
Partial results can change as additional ballots are counted. The early figures therefore offered an indication of the political balance but did not establish the final composition of the Knesset or determine who would form the next government.
High Voter Turnout Marks a Closely Watched Election
The election drew voter participation at its highest level in decades, according to the report. The vote was a significant test for Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, whose government’s security policies and handling of the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack have been central to political debate.
The election also reflected divisions over the country’s direction following successive regional conflicts. Netanyahu has emphasised security and military action against threats, while opposition leaders have sought political change and challenged his leadership.
Turnout and partial seat projections may shift as additional ballots are processed, including votes counted later under special procedures. Reuters reported that early figures showed both major blocs below the 61-seat threshold, while Arab parties held a potentially pivotal share of seats.
Coalition Negotiations Could Determine the Outcome
Israel’s parliamentary system requires parties to negotiate support after an election when no single bloc commands a majority. Netanyahu’s camp would need additional backing to reach 61 seats, while the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot could also face difficult negotiations.
Arab parties could influence the process if their seats are needed to support an opposition-led government. However, cooperation is not automatic: both major political camps have faced internal and public resistance to relying on Arab parties for coalition formation.
The eventual outcome will depend on the final count, the distribution of seats among parties and negotiations over a possible governing arrangement. Until those steps are completed, the partial tally should not be treated as a final election result.
For companies and investors following developments in the region, an inconclusive election can add uncertainty around policy continuity and economic conditions. Businesses with international exposure may consider broader political developments as part of their risk assessments and planning, including through strategic advisory services.