Definitive results may take weeks; Netanyahu faces Israel election 2026 as voters wait to know what’s next

A closely watched vote

The election takes place three years after the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which set off the war in Gaza. Voters are deciding on the country’s direction as domestic scrutiny of Netanyahu’s government grows. The questions include alleged failures that allowed the attack, the government’s efforts to retrieve captives taken to Gaza, alleged corruption and disputes over ultra-Orthodox military service.

What polls suggest

Haaretz, drawing on polls from Israeli news channels, reported an average projection as of Friday of 50 seats for Netanyahu’s bloc and 54 for the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot. The Knesset has 120 seats, and a grouping needs 61 to secure a majority. Parties receive seats in proportion to their share of the national vote, and must win at least 3.25 percent to enter parliament.

When results may emerge

Polling stations opened at 7am local time (05:00 GMT) on Tuesday and are scheduled to close at 10pm (20:00 GMT). Diplomats and state emissaries are an exception, casting ballots at Israeli missions on October 20.

News channels are expected to publish exit polls after voting ends, with initial indications likely within a few hours. Those projections may offer an early picture, but a clear result could take days or weeks.

Coalition talks and next steps

If talks do not produce a government, Netanyahu’s cabinet will remain as a caretaker government. If negotiations fail and no grouping can form a workable government, new elections must be called.