Israel's 2026 Israeli legislative election has produced no clear winner, with exit polls pointing to a deadlock between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Gadi Eisenkot. Neither bloc appears on track to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, setting the stage for what could be lengthy and complex coalition negotiations.
The election drew record turnout as Israelis cast their votes in the country's first national poll since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, and the wars that followed in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. The result was widely seen as a wartime referendum on Netanyahu's leadership and his government's handling of the conflict.
A Stalemate That Could Favour Netanyahu
The deadlock may work in Netanyahu's advantage. As the incumbent prime minister, he can continue governing in a caretaker capacity while parties attempt to assemble a workable coalition. Final results are expected to take several days, and Israel's fragmented political landscape means smaller parties will likely play a decisive role as kingmakers.
No single party has ever won an outright majority in the Knesset, making coalition governments a consistent feature of Israeli political life. Netanyahu's opponents have only succeeded in removing him from the prime ministership once since 2009, and that outcome required four inconclusive elections spread over two years.
Netanyahu, 77, has served as prime minister for nearly 19 of the past 30 years and has shown a repeated ability to weather political crises. He entered this election facing longstanding corruption charges, which he denies, as well as significant criticism over intelligence failures that allowed Hamas-led militants to kill 1,200 people and take 251 hostages on October 7, 2023.
On election day, Netanyahu urged his supporters to get to the polls, warning of high turnout among progressive opponents and Arab-Israeli voters. "You all need to stream to the polls," he told supporters.
Who Is Gadi Eisenkot?
Gadi Eisenkot, 66, is a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, whose name translates to "Straight." A hawkish figure who lost a son and two nephews during the Gaza war, Eisenkot positioned himself as a credible security leader while adopting centrist domestic policy positions. He cast his ballot alongside his grandson and walked to the polls with Gadi Mozes, one of the 251 people kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.
Eisenkot has argued that Israel's response to October 7 ultimately failed because Hamas remains in control of Gaza. He made a campaign stop at kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, one of the communities directly targeted in the attacks, where he expressed confidence in a change of direction.
"I am convinced that by the end of today, we will see a change, a new spirit for the state of Israel, that will serve as a rectification for the past three years and for that terrible day," he said.
Eisenkot has pledged to dismantle or destroy Hamas' military and governing capabilities within 18 months of forming a government if he becomes prime minister.
Accountability and Coalition Building Ahead
For a significant portion of Israelis opposed to Netanyahu, the central issue in this election has been accountability for the security failures of October 7. Opposition groups have promised to establish a formal inquiry, something Netanyahu's government has resisted throughout its tenure.
Netanyahu's right-wing coalition of conservative, religious and ultranationalist parties has proven deeply divisive domestically and has contributed to Israel's growing international isolation. However, the fragmented nature of Israeli politics makes it difficult for his opponents to consolidate enough support to force him from office.
With both major blocs now expected to court smaller parties, the coming days of negotiation will determine whether Israel sees a new government or whether Netanyahu extends one of the longest political careers in the country's history. You can read more on the lead-up to the vote in our earlier coverage of Israel heading to the polls in the first election since the October 7 attacks.
