By — Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israels-election-results-are-in-heres-what-could-happen-next Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Israel's election results are in. Here's what could happen next World Oct 30, 2026 12:27 PM EDT TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli election results are in, showing the makeup of the country's next parliament but leaving open the question of who will be prime minister. Party leaders will now hold high-stakes negotiations as they try to cobble together a 61-seat coalition in the 120-member assembly, known as the Knesset. WATCH: What's next for Israel after election produces political gridlock It's a tough path ahead for both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Neither of their camps won a majority, and Arab-led parties, which won a historic 19 seats, could play a decisive role. Any possible coalition would require candidates to make tough compromises that could outrage their own voters. If they are unable to do so, new elections would be held early next…
Israel's election results are in. Here's what could happen next
In short
To resolve the impasse, Eisenkot could mathematically secure a 67-seat majority by partnering with Arab-led parties, though this path carries severe political risks among Jewish allies. Netanyahu could attempt a 67-seat unity government with Eisenkot or court right-wing opposition figures like Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman. However, opposition figures remain resistant to joining Netanyahu due to his corruption trial and his handling of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. Additionally, right-wing opposition figures strongly oppose military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox, directly clashing with Netanyahu's traditional religious partners.
Key points
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power as a caretaker until parties successfu…: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power as a caretaker until parties successfully negotiate a governing coalition.
- Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial and management of the Oct. 7 attack remain significa…: Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial and management of the Oct. 7 attack remain significant barriers to a unity government.
- Disagreements surrounding military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox create major obstacl…: Disagreements surrounding military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox create major obstacles between right-wing opposition figures and Netanyahu's religious allies.