Political deadlock looms as exit polls show Israeli parties falling short of Knesset majority: Reports

Results from the polls emerged early Wednesday, a day after the election, projecting 27 seats for Netanyahu’s Likud, ahead of Yashar, led by his principal challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, which is expected to win 21 or 22 seats, various Israeli outlets reported. 

Nevertheless, the two blocs are projected to be roughly level, with Netanyahu’s camp potentially holding around 50 seats, approximately 11 short of a working majority in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament).

According to observers, the results raise the possibility of prolonged political uncertainty and another election within months. Netanyahu would likely remain caretaker prime minister during that period.

Turnout among Palestinian voters was particularly high, with the two Arab political groupings projected to win approximately 18 seats combined.

If the projections hold, Arab parties could prove decisive in determining whether the opposition can form a ruling coalition. However, some opposition officials have ruled out working directly with Arab representatives.

The Joint List, a political alliance of Arab-majority parties is, meanwhile, reportedly less likely to formally join an Israeli-led ruling coalition without a commitment to resume negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu, Eisenkot trade accusations

Speaking to Likud supporters earlier, Netanyahu claimed his bloc had won a “decisive majority” among voters. He also rejected the prospect of a ruling coalition dependent on Arab parties.

Eisenkot called on the prime minister to retire, saying, “The coalition of failure has lost” settlers’ “trust.”

His campaign focused on Netanyahu’s responsibility for the failures during the historic al-Aqsa Storm resistance operation of October 7, 2023, when resistance fighters stormed the occupied territories, encircled military outposts, and ensnared hundreds of Zionists.

The Netanyahu bloc’s electoral failure comes despite two major endorsements by US President Donald Trump in recent days.

Under the Israeli regime’s political guidelines, a party head designated by the president receives 28 days to form a ruling coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.

According to experts, the opposition’s ability to cooperate with Arab parties will potentially prove crucial.