Israel opposition takes edge over Netanyahu in election but no majority

Jerusalem, October 28 — Opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot vowed on Wednesday to swiftly form a government, claiming voters had rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's divisive rule. However, neither Eisenkot's opposition bloc nor Netanyahu's hard-right camp secured a majority in the first election since the October 7 attack.

Exit polls indicated Eisenkot and his opponents were neck and neck with Netanyahu, with the highest voter turnout in years. Eisenkot, a former military chief with no prior political experience, warned Netanyahu against using Israel's security for political gains. The opposition secured a significant number of seats, particularly from Arab Israeli parties.

Arab lawmakers could potentially support Eisenkot's minority government without joining a coalition. If not, Israel may face new elections. The divisive election was held against the backdrop of the October 7 Hamas attack, regional wars, and Netanyahu facing potential arrest and corruption charges. Eisenkot, as the first prime minister of Middle Eastern or North African descent, aims to usher in change.