Netanyahu's bloc finishes ahead in Israel election, but well short of majority

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc emerged as the clear victor in the general election, but failed to secure the majority of seats required to govern unilaterally. His right-wing and far-right parties captured 53 of the 120 Knesset seats, with his Likud party holding the majority at 27. The opposition, led by centrist Gadi Eisenkot, secured 48 seats.

The results also highlighted the growing political influence of Arab parties, Raam and the Joint List, which together won 19 seats. This fragmented outcome sets the stage for protracted coalition negotiations, potentially lasting weeks, with no single bloc able to reach the 61-seat threshold. The fragmented results and allegations of irregularities have fueled uncertainty about the future of Israeli politics.

Netanyahu’s Likud party accused Arab parties of receiving foreign funding, specifically from Qatar, to influence the vote, a claim dismissed by both parties involved and Qatar. Israel’s Shin Bet security service is investigating the allegations, but maintains the probe is not aimed at targeting any specific group. The electoral commission also dismissed suggestions of widespread irregularities, calling any such claims "entirely groundless".

The controversy has led to accusations of a "political earthquake", with Netanyahu’s Likud alleging a "scandal" while the Joint List accused the government of conducting a "campaign of incitement". Opposition figures have accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the election results.