On the evening of 28 October 2026, Israeli voters sent a clear message: the country’s political landscape had shifted. The Knesset, Israel’s 601‑seat parliament, was set to be re‑filled, but no single bloc could claim the 61 seats required for a majority. Netanyahu’s coalition, led by the Likud party, secured 54 seats, a number that, while the highest, left them 7 seats shy of a governing edge. The opposition, headed by Gadi Eisenkot, captured 49 seats, 12 seats behind the leading bloc but still far from an outright majority.
The remaining 17 seats were won by Arab‑led parties, a group that has historically played a pivotal role in coalition negotiations. The Joint List, a coalition of Palestinian‑Israeli parties, achieved a historically strong vote, taking at least 12 of those seats. With 500,000 votes still to be counted, the final composition of the Knesset remains in flux, but the picture is clear: a deadlock.
The arithmetic of Israeli politics is unforgiving. With 601 seats in total, a simple majority demands 61 seats. Netanyahu’s bloc, though the largest, falls short by seven. Eisenkot’s bloc, trailing by 12, must look beyond its own ranks to bridge the gap. The Arab‑led parties, holding 17 seats, become the fulcrum on which the next government could pivot.
” In a statement that underscored his political brand, he declared, “Likud is the largest party in Israel.
Eisenkot has signaled that, under certain conditions, his coalition might be willing to work with Arab‑led parties. Yet, internal opposition within his ranks threatens to derail such an arrangement. On the other hand, Netanyahu has made it clear that his vision for a right‑wing nationalist administration does not involve relying on Arab‑led parties.
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The Arab‑led parties’ 17 seats are more than a number; they represent a demographic that has long been a bargaining chip in Israeli coalition politics. Historically, these parties have been courted by both sides, but the current political climate has amplified their importance. Their willingness to join a coalition could bring stability, but it also raises questions about policy direction and the future of Israeli democracy.
The Joint List’s strong performance signals a surge in Palestinian‑Israeli political engagement. Their presence in the Knesset will force any governing coalition to address issues that have long been sidelined, from civil rights to security concerns.
Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s prime minister for multiple terms, reiterated his commitment to a “strong, right‑wing national government.” In a statement that underscored his political brand, he declared, “Likud is the largest party in Israel.” This assertion, while technically accurate, also reflects his insistence on maintaining control without compromising to Arab‑led partners.
His stance is rooted in a broader narrative that frames the nation as a bastion of security and national identity. By rejecting Arab‑led participation, Netanyahu signals a continuation of a hard‑line approach that has defined much of his tenure.
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Eisenkot, meanwhile, has framed the election outcome as a repudiation of Netanyahu’s service. He stated, “The Israeli public has voted against Netanyahu’s service as Israel’s prime minister.” This rhetoric positions his coalition as the alternative, but the lack of a majority forces him to confront the reality of coalition politics.
Eisenkot’s bloc faces a strategic choice: either seek alliances with the Arab‑led parties to reach the 61‑seat threshold or risk a stalemate that could trigger a new election. Internal divisions threaten to weaken any outreach, as factions within his coalition question the wisdom of partnering with parties that have historically been at odds with their platform.
With the election results announced, consultations for forming a government have begun. The process is inherently complex: parties must negotiate policy concessions, ministerial positions, and legislative priorities. The absence of a clear majority means that any coalition will be fragile, and the stakes are high.
The Arab‑led parties, holding 17 seats, are now pivotal. Their decision to join or abstain from a coalition will determine whether Netanyahu can form a government, whether Eisenkot can push for a change, or whether the country will face another election.
Analysts outline three possible scenarios: 1. A Right‑Wing Coalition – Netanyahu’s bloc could seek support from smaller right‑wing parties to reach the majority threshold, maintaining a nationalist agenda while sidestepping Arab‑led participation. 2. A Broad‑Based Alliance – Eisenkot’s coalition might negotiate with Arab‑led parties, creating a diverse government that could address a wider range of concerns but would require significant policy compromises. 3. A New Election – If negotiations stall, the Knesset could be dissolved, prompting a fresh electoral contest that would reset the political landscape.
Each path carries implications for Israel’s domestic policy, its relationship with the Palestinian territories, and its standing on the international stage.
As the 500,000 votes remain to be counted, the final shape of the Knesset is still uncertain. Yet the overarching narrative is clear: Israel faces a political deadlock that hinges on whether Arab‑led parties will be invited to join a governing coalition. Netanyahu’s insistence on a right‑wing administration contrasts sharply with Eisenkot’s openness to broader alliances, setting the stage for a tense negotiation period. The outcome will shape the country’s future for years to come.