Netanyahu and Eisenkot stake rival claims to lead Israel following deadlocked election

Following Israel's general election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and political rival Gadi Eisenkot have both vowed to form a government. Exit polls from major television networks projected a complete parliamentary deadlock, with Eisenkot's opposition bloc and Netanyahu's hard-right camp neck and neck. Neither bloc achieved a majority, and The Times of Israel reports that parties across the political spectrum are urging patience until the final votes are counted.

Addressing supporters in Jerusalem, Netanyahu called for the formation of a "strong government of the right," stating that the "Jewish and Zionist majority must unite." According to Dawn, the 77-year-old prime minister did not directly claim victory but instead listed leaders killed under his orders and hinted at a potential third bombing campaign against Iran. The election saw high voter turnout, with the strongest gains coming from Arab Israeli parties.

Donald Trump has claimed that his endorsement of Netanyahu reversed a potential defeat, turning the results into a "come-from-behind stalemate" or a win for the prime minister. Middle East Eye reports that Trump made these comments on his social media platform, Truth Social, asserting that his support changed the tide of the election.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, Dawn, Middle East Eye, Ajel English, The Times of Israel — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.