Israel election deadlock: Exit polls point to stalemate as Netanyahu faces calls to quit

Polls show no clear majority

Exit polls offered differing estimates of the blocs’ strength. Kan 11 and Channel 13 put them level at 51 seats each, while Channel 12 projected a 52-49 advantage for Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc.

Earlier figures cited in the reporting put Netanyahu’s bloc at 50 seats, the opposition at 52 or 53, and Arab parties at 17 or 18. Actual votes were still being counted, and none of the reported projections gave either side the 61 seats required for a majority.

Calls for Netanyahu to leave

Former justice minister Yossi Beilin predicted Netanyahu would lose to Gadi Eisenkot. Beilin told Al Jazeera that the key outcome was Netanyahu not remaining prime minister. Netanyahu called for a strong right-wing national government. At a gathering, far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the night was still young and voiced hope that his bloc was close to forming a right-wing government.

War shapes the vote

The election was Israel’s first national vote since the October 7 attack, which led to the war in Gaza and related conflicts. Around 330,000 young Israelis were eligible to vote for the first time, many facing compulsory military service amid the war.

In Tel Aviv, families of some people killed on October 7 and former hostages held a moment of silence. Yona Adam, whose daughter Mapal Adam was killed, asked people to remember those who were no longer able to speak.