Netanyahu Leads Israel Election but Both Blocs Fall Short of Majority, Exit Polls Show

Exit polls released by Israel's Central Election Committee show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party receiving about 27 percent of the vote, positioning it as the largest single party in the 120-seat Knesset. However, the broader coalition aligned with Netanyahu and the bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot are each projected to secure roughly 51 seats, far short of the 61 seats required for a governing majority. Arab-led parties are estimated to obtain around 18 seats.

Netanyahu addressed supporters after the initial count, stating, "We must put in place a strong government of the right. The Jewish and Zionist majority must unite. It is out of the question to have a government that is backed by Arab parties," and added that his party was projected to be the largest.

Eiskon, speaking to supporters in Tel Aviv, described the exit-poll results as a "lack of confidence" in Netanyahu and pledged to form a new government, saying, "The public has voted for change. A worthy leader would accept the people's vote of no confidence and announce his retirement from political life today."

Analysts note that no party has ever won an outright majority in Israel, making coalition negotiations inevitable. Potential scenarios include Eisenkot seeking support from Arab lawmakers without forming a formal coalition, or a possible new election if a stable government cannot be assembled. Until a coalition is confirmed, Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister with authority over security matters.