Israel election results show fragmented Knesset as no bloc reaches majority

Vote counting for Israel's parliamentary election is complete, but no political bloc has achieved the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, while the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot has 48, and Arab-list parties together hold 19, according to Israeli media.

Opposition leaders met on Thursday to explore coalition possibilities. Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, met former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of the Together party to discuss forming a government "as quickly as possible," Ynet News reported. He also met with Democrats party chairman Yair Golan, the only opposition figure willing to consider a partnership with parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel. Golan later said, "This is a time for action. Our responsibility is not to miss the opportunity for change and the salvation of Israel," after meeting United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas.

Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh noted that Eisenkot faces an "uphill battle" and highlighted his pledge not to ally with Palestinian-Israeli parties. She added that without Arab-led party support, Eisenkot's bloc cannot form a governing coalition.

Netanyahu's Likud party has reiterated claims that Arab-led parties "stole" the election, alleging possible foreign assistance. Central Elections Committee head Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg said he received a letter raising "serious suspicions" of foreign interference and has asked Shin Bet to investigate, though he could not verify the allegations.

Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of attempting to delegitimize the results, posting on X, "The days of Netanyahu using state institutions against Israeli interests for his personal needs are over," and asserting that no "spin" can change voters' rejection of his government.

Political analyst Xavier Abu Eid suggested that while an opposition-Arab coalition appears unlikely, a change in the Knesset speaker—who is close to Netanyahu—could weaken the prime minister's position and enable the opposition to advance legislation. Odeh said final certification of the results is expected by Wednesday, after which negotiations among parties are likely to intensify.