Netanyahu bloc finishes ahead in Israel vote, but well short of majority

Israeli protesters attend a demonstration outside Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot's home, calling on him to form a coalition with Israel-Arab parties rather than allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to serve another term, following Israel's national election, in Herzliya, Israel, Oct. 29. | REUTERS

AFP-JIJI

Oct 30, 2026

JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp finished ahead of the opposition but remained well short of a majority, final results from Israel’s general election showed Friday, setting the stage for tough coalition talks or potentially another vote.

Netanyahu’s coalition of rightwing and far-right parties won 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, with his Likud party remaining the largest faction with 27 seats.

The opposition bloc, led by centrist Gadi Eisenkot, secured 48 seats.

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