Israel’s Pivotal Election Has No Clear Winner as Government Talks Loom

Counting leaves outcome uncertain

Exit polls showed a tight contest between Netanyahu’s far-right coalition and the center-right opposition bloc, which includes Eisenkot’s Yashar party. Netanyahu told supporters that Likud had emerged as Israel’s largest party and said, “We must form a strong right-wing government.” More than 40 percent of the votes had been counted by nearly 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to authorities. Ballots from soldiers, diplomats abroad and other voters were still to be tallied, a process that could continue until Thursday.

Arab parties hold possible leverage

Two Arab parties were projected to win as many as 19 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, a result that could make their support important to either bloc. Netanyahu has effectively ruled out bringing them into his coalition, while Eisenkot and his partners have also balked at that possibility.

The remaining special ballots could affect the count. In Israel’s 2022 election, votes from special polling stations tended to favor Netanyahu and his allies.

Herzog faces a difficult choice

President Isaac Herzog has a largely ceremonial role, but after an election he selects a potential prime minister and asks that person to try to form a government. He may choose the leader whose party received the most votes, or another leader who appears more likely to secure a coalition and a confidence vote in the Knesset.

Netanyahu is expected to argue that Likud’s apparent position as the largest party makes him the appropriate choice. The process could prolong uncertainty as leaders try to build a governing majority.

Election shaped by deep divisions

Netanyahu’s governing coalition has been described as the most right-wing in Israel’s history. It has drawn international condemnation, strained ties with allies and deepened divisions among Israelis. Netanyahu has resisted calls for an independent inquiry into the Hamas-led attack of Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza, and has not accepted responsibility for failures that preceded it. Eisenkot warned Netanyahu against using his caretaker role for political purposes, saying, “Netanyahu, don’t dare use Israel’s security for your political needs.”