Israeli election in deadlock, Netanyahu bloc faces heavy losses

Exit polls following Israel’s latest parliamentary election show a tight contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Neither bloc appears to have a clear path to an outright majority.

Although voter turnout was the highest since 1999, initial projections show Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc falling well short of the majority needed to form a government in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

According to projections by Israel’s Channel 12 News, the ruling bloc led by Netanyahu could drop from its previous 68 seats to 52. Eisenkot’s opposition bloc could win 49 seats. Arab-led parties have reportedly made significant gains, and the exit polls suggest they could secure record representation in the incoming parliament.

Addressing supporters after the polls were released, Netanyahu expressed optimism. He claimed the results showed that a “decisive majority of the Zionist and Jewish public” strongly backs his right-wing coalition.

However, he firmly ruled out any possibility of forming a government with Arab parties. Calling them “anti-Zionist”, he accused them of seeking Israel’s destruction.

Final results could be announced within the next 48 hours. Political analysts say, however, that coalition negotiations could drag on for days or even weeks. Prolonged political deadlock, a minority or unity government, or a call for fresh elections all remain possible outcomes.