Israel Election Deadlock: Netanyahu’s Bloc Holds 54 Seats, Eisenkot’s 49, Arab Parties 17

Israel’s Latest Election Count

On Wednesday, Israeli election officials announced that the vote count was now over 84 % complete. The data indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud‑dominated coalition controls 54 seats out of the 120 in the Knesset, while the group headed by Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot holds 49 seats. Arab‑led parties collectively secured 17 seats. Neither camp has reached the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. The anti‑Netanyahu coalition, which totals 66 seats when the Arab parties are added, still does not reach a majority, and the task of forming a government is further complicated by several parties’ campaign pledges to refuse alliances with Arab‑led factions.

Background

The election, held on 27 October, saw the highest voter turnout in over two decades. Netanyahu’s Likud party is projected to win 26 Knesset seats, while Yashar is expected to secure 21. The Joint List and other Arab parties are projected to win 12 seats each, with the United Arab List gaining a seat to reach seven. The Joint List chief has signalled willingness to support efforts to remove Netanyahu’s government, stating a readiness to pave the way for a change. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have expressed confidence in their ability to form a government after exit polls released on Tuesday night.

Why it Matters

The outcome determines Israel’s next government and its policy direction on security, economy and social issues. The lack of a majority means that any coalition will require compromises that could alter the balance of power among right‑wing, far‑right and ultra‑Orthodox parties, as well as the inclusion of Arab parties. The situation also raises questions about the role of the United States, with some analysts suggesting that President Donald Trump could pressure the parties into a unity government.

What Happens Next

Election officials will keep tabulating the remaining ballots, including those submitted by soldiers and voters who cast their votes away from their registered polling stations. The final count is expected to be completed by midnight, after which parties will begin negotiations to form a coalition. A decision on the Knesset Speaker has not yet been reached, although lawmakers Oded Forer and Yashar’s Elazar Stern have been cited as possible candidates. The political deadlock remains, with both sides awaiting the final results to decide their next steps.