Israel election: Netanyahu-led bloc in slight lead with more than half of votes counted
While partial results show the pro-Netanyahu bloc ahead of the anti-Netanyahu bloc, the final tally could take days. Neither grouping is expected to win a majority, with tough coalition talks ahead. Follow DW.
As the Israeli election on October 27, 2026 progressed, the opposition alliance led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot was inching closer to forming a government. The opposition had secured around 16 seats, while Netanyahu's coalition held approximately 56 seats after counting more than half of the votes. With around two-thirds of the votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc led with 55 seats, seven ahead of the opposition's 49 seats.
Neither side had the 61 seats required to form a majority government. The absentee votes, which could impact the final outcome, were yet to be counted. Netanyahu vowed to form a right-wing government, rejecting the idea of a coalition with Arab parties. Eisenkot called for Netanyahu's resignation, offering to form a government committed to military conscription. Both sides were within a few seats of each other, with no clear majority emerging.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
