Israeli exit polls show deadlock, setback for Netanyahu

Israeli wartime election results on Tuesday showed a deadlocked outcome, according to exit polls, which may be a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should the projections prove accurate. Neither side appears to have a clear path to power, but the rival bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot could potentially provide him the first opportunity to form a government.

The stalemate could work in Netanyahu's favor, enabling him to retain power in a caretaker role while parties attempt to form a governing coalition. Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest in over two decades and approximately 7 percentage points higher than the 2022 election. Israel's three major networks reported exit polls that gave Eisenkot's bloc a two-seat advantage over Netanyahu's Likud-led coalition, with a 52-50 split.

The remaining 18 seats were allocated to unaligned Arab parties in the exit polls. However, Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has effectively ruled out forming a government with them, further complicating his prospects of securing a majority despite his bloc's lead. Some Israeli media outlets, including pro-Netanyahu channels, reported the news.