Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc secured 53 seats while the Zionist opposition alliance captured 48, leaving neither side able to govern without the 19 seats held by Arab-led lists or ultra-Orthodox lawmakers. The opposition hopes to establish an emergency administration, but Likud is challenging the outcome by alleging irregularities in Arab voting, claims that police have already dismissed. As official coalition talks approach, President Isaac Herzog must navigate these deep divisions while also reviewing a pardon request regarding Netanyahu’s corruption trial.
Key points
Neither major bloc can assemble a viable ruling coalition without courting either Arab-le…: Neither major bloc can assemble a viable ruling coalition without courting either Arab-led lists or ultra-Orthodox parties.
Likud has questioned the election's legitimacy with voter irregularity claims, though pol…: Likud has questioned the election's legitimacy with voter irregularity claims, though police investigations have already discounted those allegations.
The lawmaker selected by President Isaac Herzog will have an initial 28-day window to neg…: The lawmaker selected by President Isaac Herzog will have an initial 28-day window to negotiate and finalize a government.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
With neither bloc near a majority, Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties hold the key to Israel’s next government.
Israel’s election results are due to be certified on Wednesday, but with both leading blocs falling short of a parliamentary majority, negotiations remain deadlocked.
As things stand, the right-wing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 53 seats in the October 27 vote, while the self-styled Zionist opposition alliance led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot had 48. A majority requires 61 seats in the 120-strong Knesset. The 19 remaining seats went to the two Arab-led lists – the Joint List and Ra’am, or the United Arab List.
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