Israel election leaves Netanyahu and Eisenkot short of majority as Arab parties surge
Briefing by News4U · First published
With 90-91% counted, Netanyahu's bloc has 53 seats and Eisenkot's 48, both below the 61-seat majority; Arab parties hold a record 19 seats.
Israel voted on 28 October 2026. With 90-91% of votes counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 53 seats and Gadi Eisenkot's bloc 48 seats, both short of the 61-seat majority needed to govern (SBS News, The Guardian). [1] [2]
Two Arab parties, the Joint List and Ra'am, are on course for a combined 19 seats, a record result that could give them influence over coalition talks, though neither Jewish bloc has expressed willingness to work with them (SBS News, The Guardian). [1] [2]