Israel's general election, held for the first time in four years, produced no clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset, according to exit polls and initial results released by state broadcaster KAN. The opposition bloc led by former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot finished with approximately 52 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right governing coalition trailed with around 50 seats. Neither side reached the 61 seats needed to form a government.
Netanyahu addressed supporters at the Likud party headquarters in West Jerusalem, claiming his party had come first and asserting that "the right bloc has a clear and decisive majority." He firmly ruled out any coalition involving Arab parties, stating that "forming a government that endangers Israel by relying on anti-Zionist Arab parties is unthinkable."
The Israeli prime minister also commented on regional dynamics, declaring that "Iran is weaker than ever and Israel is stronger than ever," and pledged to eliminate the Iranian threat. He closed his speech with a call for unity among right-wing parties, urging the "Zionist majority to come to its senses and unite."
Two lists representing Palestinian citizens of Israel are expected to win a combined 18 seats, with 11 going to the Joint Arab List. Official results are expected to be certified by November 4, following a review and appeals process.
