Netanyahu bloc loses Knesset majority as coalition talks begin

Israel's Central Elections Committee confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 of the 120 Knesset seats, short of the 61 needed for a majority. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's alliance won 48 seats, and two predominantly Arab parties together obtained a historic 19 seats, giving them potential influence in coalition talks.

Likud remained the largest single party with 27 seats, followed by Eisenkot's Yashar at 21 and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's Beyachad with 12. Voter turnout was reported at 77.9%.

With neither bloc reaching a majority, negotiations may involve ultra-Orthodox parties, Arab lawmakers, or a unity government. An anonymous source described the outcome as a stalemate but said opposition leaders are approaching talks with patience, emphasizing the need for new partnerships.

Reports indicate that Rabbi Dov Lando, a senior ultra-Orthodox authority, urged Degel HaTorah lawmakers to discuss arrangements that would protect yeshiva students amid debates over mandatory military service. United Torah Judaism denied receiving such instructions, though some party figures suggested they might support an Eisenkot-led minority government.

Arab parties, which increased their representation from 10 to 19 seats, have expressed willingness to use their parliamentary influence to prevent Netanyahu's return, according to Mohammed Majadla of Radio Nas. He noted that the Arab lists aim to avoid another election and may consider coalition participation, outside support, or abstention to achieve that goal.

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid warned that forming a government will be more challenging than campaigning, urging supporters to be patient as negotiations proceed behind closed doors.

The election results are to be formally submitted to President Isaac Herzog on November 4, with the new Knesset expected to be sworn in on November 10.