[REVISION HISTORY]

Israeli elections result in political deadlock

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2026-10-31 05:30 UTC → 2026-10-31 18:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The snap election for the 26th Knesset, held on 27 October 2026, has resulted in a political stalemate, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot projected to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. ~~As official counts progressed, the results indicated a highly fragmented Knesset.~~ Netanyahu’s bloc has been estimated to hold between 53 and 56 seats, while the opposition led by Eisenkot’s Yashar party is projected to hold between 46 and 49 seats. Arab-led parties have emerged as significant political actors, securing a record 17 to 19 seats, positioning them as potential kingmakers. Netanyahu and the Likud party have accused Arab political parties of attempting to ‘steal’ the results through corruption, bribery, and intimidation. However, Central Election Commission head Dean Livne stated there is no evidence of illegal voting, and police officials described the claims as propaganda tactics lacking factual basis. Despite these denials, Judge Noam Solberg, President of the Central Elections Committee, requested a Shin Bet investigation into allegations of foreign funding and unlawful influence. The Shin Bet has since reported indications of foreign interference, with allegations suggesting millions of dollars, potentially from Qatar, were used to encourage Arab Israelis to vote. Following the vote, opposition leaders have begun exploring coalition options. While a coalition between the opposition and Arab parties could mathematically reach 67 mandates, some opposition ~~members~~ members, including Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett, remain hesitant to form a government dependent on Arab party support. President Isaac Herzog is expected to begin consultations to determine who will be tasked with forming a government. Political leaders have a 12-week window to establish a government before new elections may be required.

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