Key facts
- Netanyahu's bloc projected to win 53 seats, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority.
- With 85% of votes tallied, Netanyahu's Likud party and allies on track for 53 seats.
- Gadi Eisenkot's bloc set for 48 seats, and Arab parties projected to win 19 seats.
- President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations after official results are confirmed next week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc has pulled ahead in Israel's election, but with 85% of votes tallied, it remains short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. The results suggest Netanyahu's path to another term will depend on forming a coalition, with Arab parties potentially holding the balance of power after achieving unprecedented turnout. President Isaac Herzog will begin consultations with political factions after official results are confirmed next week. The election was the first since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks and subsequent wars.