Politics · 2026-10-28 · Morning briefing

Israel faces deadlock as Netanyahu's bloc leads without a majority

Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc is leading in Israel's general election but appears short of a majority, pointing towards political deadlock. With just over 50% of votes counted, figures from the Central Elections Committee show Mr. Netanyahu's camp with a projected 56 seats in the 120-seat parliament. The opposition bloc trails with 49 seats, while Arab parties hold the remaining 15.

The election, the first since the Hamas attack of October 2023, drew a voter turnout of 77.7%, the highest since 1999. Both sides were quick to claim a mandate. Opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot vowed to form a government, stating voters had rejected Mr. Netanyahu's rule. The prime minister, in turn, pledged to form a "strong government of the right" and asserted that no leader should rule with the backing of Israeli Arab parties.

For Mr. Netanyahu, the stakes are particularly high. He currently faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the war in Gaza, as well as domestic corruption charges that could lead to prison if he loses power.

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• Israel faces political deadlock after election
• Israel election: Netanyahu claims 'decisive majority' as exit polls show deadlock
• Israel election: Netanyahu faces setback as exit polls show deadlock with Gadi Eisenkot
• Israel election exit polls point to deadlock as rival blocs fall short of majority
• Israel election: Netanyahu and Eisenkot battle to form government after deadlock

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