Netanyahu controls a 53-seat bloc of far-right and ultra-Orthodox allies, yet he faces staunch refusals from opposition factions like Yair Golan's Democrats, Avigdor Lieberman's party, and Eisenkot's Yashar. Eisenkot's 48-seat opposition camp is actively exploring minority governance options by attempting to court outside backing from Arab-majority parties. Meanwhile, President Herzog has warned that the country must avoid returning to the polls at all costs.
Key points
Neither major candidate currently possesses the 61 seats required to guarantee a function…: Neither major candidate currently possesses the 61 seats required to guarantee a functional majority government.
Potential cross-bloc support from Arab-majority parties remains a complicated and controv…: Potential cross-bloc support from Arab-majority parties remains a complicated and controversial path for Eisenkot to secure power.
President Isaac Herzog holds the critical institutional responsibility of assigning the m…: President Isaac Herzog holds the critical institutional responsibility of assigning the mandate while striving to prevent repeat elections.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Given the indecisive result, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot would need to find a way to broaden their blocs if they hope to secure a governing coalition.
JERUSALEM: Following elections in which Isreal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Gadi Eisenkot both fell short of a majority, each is claiming a mandate to govern - though neither has explained how.
Given the indecisive result, the two leaders would need to find a way to broaden their blocs if they hope to secure a governing coalition, but so far very little information has leaked about potential behind-the-scenes negotiations.
If neither succeeds in securing a coalition, the country will have to head back to the polls.
AFP looks at the most plausible scenarios for each side forming a government.
A NETANYAHU-LED GOVERNMENT
The prime minister and his far-right and ultra-Orthodox allies came out ahead in the final vote count, with 53 seats in parliament, including 27 for the premier's party, Likud.
But that is still short of the 61 needed for a majority.
High voter turnout delivered a record 19 parliamentary seats to Palestinian-led parties, yet systematic domestic pushback continues to prevent them from entering government coalitions. Both leading political factions remain unwilling to partner with Arab lawmakers, while public sentiment broadly favors their political exclusion. At the same time, millions of Palestinians living under Israeli control in the occupied West Bank and Gaza remain entirely disenfranchised from casting ballots.
Law enforcement authorities have been tasked with tracking digital hostility aimed at members of the bench. This judicial instruction emerged after a controversial ruling regarding reservation benefits triggered public demonstrations. The move aims to address growing unrest and targeted online harassment connected to contentious legal verdicts.
The Home Office cancelled the travel authorisation for activist Andreas Malm ahead of his planned panel appearance in London, deeming his presence not conducive to the public good. Officials acted as he was slated to speak alongside Huda Ammori, co-founder of the proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action. Malm maintains that his public stance on Palestine has been consistent across decades of regular, unimpeded visits to the country.