Israel's election results leave Netanyahu short of majority, Arab parties poised as potential kingmakers

Preliminary results indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party remains the largest single party in Israel's 120-seat Knesset, but his right-wing bloc, which includes ultra-nationalist and ultra-Orthodox parties, is projected to fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority. Analysts note that early counts favored areas with strong right-wing support, so the final tally could shift as absentee ballots, many from soldiers, are counted.

Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief and leader of the opposition Yashar party, said the "public has chosen change" and claimed that the "coalition of failure" lost voters' trust. He pledged to work with partners to form a "Zionist government" that would be "stable and good for all of Israel's citizens."

Arab-led parties, representing about one-fifth of the population, appear to have matched or exceeded their previous seat count, positioning them as possible kingmakers if other blocs agree to cooperate. Mansour Abbas, head of the Ra'am party, indicated a willingness to join the next government, citing past experience in a diverse coalition.

Political commentators highlighted deep societal divisions and the uncertainty of coalition formation. Professor Tamar Hermann of the Israeli Democracy Institute observed that support for and against Netanyahu remains roughly equal, contrary to expectations after the October 7 attacks. Veteran journalist Yaakov Katz warned that both sides will seek defectors and explore minority-government options, a process that could take weeks or months.

The final results will be presented to President Isaac Herzog, who will consult party leaders and task the most likely candidate with forming a coalition.