Netanyahu's rivals got a clear mandate to unseat him

Israeli voters handed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a significant setback in Tuesday's national election, with exit polls indicating his opponents are likely to secure a majority in the next parliament, according to <source>8ae7c8f2-66f</source>. While Netanyahu's bloc won 50 seats, the opposition gained 52, and Arab parties secured 18.

This result could lead to weeks of political maneuvering and uncertainty surrounding the formation of a new government. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who emerged as Netanyahu's closest rival, vowed to form a new coalition based on the exit polls' indication of widespread dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's leadership. Arab voters celebrated the outcome, while supporters of Netanyahu's far-right parties expressed disappointment.

The election serves as a referendum on Netanyahu's 17-year rule, which has left Israelis bitterly divided on various issues. The country's first national election since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack is also seen as a struggle over the character of the state. Voter turnout was the highest since 1999, with over 77% of eligible voters casting their ballots. If no party can form a majority coalition, early elections may be called for early next year.