Neither major political faction has reached the 61-seat threshold required to govern in Israel's 120-seat Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have secured 53 seats, while a rival coalition led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot has taken 48 seats. Palestinian parties collectively hold 19 seats in the current tally. Meanwhile, Netanyahu publicly criticized Palestinian voter participation, calling the turnout a shame and a disgrace.
Key points
Neither major political faction currently commands the required numbers to establish a ma…: Neither major political faction currently commands the required numbers to establish a majority government independently.
Palestinian parties hold 19 seats, representing a critical share of the parliamentary cou…: Palestinian parties hold 19 seats, representing a critical share of the parliamentary count.
Deep political divisions continue to fuel concerns that the country could face another ro…: Deep political divisions continue to fuel concerns that the country could face another round of elections.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
This is an entry from: Live: ‘A shame and a disgrace’: Netanyahu rails against Palestinian turnout in Israeli elections
Israeli president Herzog warns against repeating elections
29 October 2026 01:50 GMT
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Wednesday that political leaders should work to avoid another election after a deadlock.
With 85 percent of the votes counted on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies secured 53 seats, while former army chief Gadi Eisenkot’s coalition obtained 48 seats. The Palestinian parties collectively held 19 seats.
To form a majority government in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, at least 61 of the 120 seats are needed.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Wednesday that political leaders should work to avoid another election after a deadlock https://t.co/wH6JhhvKgQ
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 29, 2026
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