Eisenkot: I will do my utmost to form a Zionist government, with national service for all; Netanyahu should step down

Israeli challenger Gadi Eisenkot declared "complete victory" in the country's elections, citing exit polls that show his bloc leading with 52-53 seats. However, neither Eisenkot's bloc nor Netanyahu's Likud has yet secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Early projections indicate that Eisenkot's Yashar bloc is projected at 21-23 seats, while Likud is expected to lead with 24-25 seats.

The Arab parties are projected to secure a record 17-18 seats. While Eisenkot claims he will "act immediately" to form a government, his bloc would fall one seat short of a majority even with the addition of Ra'am. The balance of power remains uncertain, and coalition talks could take weeks, potentially leading to another election if no agreement is reached.