Netanyahu's Bloc Leads with 55 Seats in Israeli Election
As of October 28, 2026, Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition is ahead but lacks a majority in Israel's general election.
Netanyahu's bloc currently holds 55 out of 120 parliamentary seats.
Gadi Eisenkot's opposition has 49 seats, with Arab parties securing 16.
Coalition negotiations may take weeks, with potential for new elections.
In the ongoing Israeli general election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has taken the lead with 55 seats counted so far, but still falls short of a majority. As of October 28, 2026, approximately 50% of the votes have been tallied, showing a significant voter turnout, the highest in decades, as citizens express their opinions on Netanyahu's leadership, which has shifted the nation sharply to the right following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The election results indicate a competitive landscape, with Netanyahu's rival, Gadi Eisenkot, leading the opposition bloc with 49 seats. The Arab parties have also made notable gains, securing 16 seats. Despite the initial results, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have expressed intentions to form a government, although neither is projected to achieve a clear majority.
The partial results suggest that Eisenkot's coalition could potentially reach a majority if they were to ally with the Arab parties. However, Eisenkot has previously stated his reluctance to govern alongside Israeli Arab lawmakers, aligning with Netanyahu's stance that such a coalition would lack legitimacy. This political dynamic complicates the path to forming a stable government.
The lack of a decisive majority for either bloc could lead to prolonged coalition negotiations, potentially extending for weeks. If these discussions fail, Israel may face new elections. In the interim, Netanyahu remains in his role as caretaker prime minister, which could provide him with an advantage as the situation unfolds.
Full election results are anticipated by the evening of October 29 or the morning of October 30, 2026. Netanyahu, addressing supporters in Jerusalem early Wednesday, called for a united front among right-wing factions, emphasizing the need for a strong government. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that his endorsement of Netanyahu has significantly aided the prime minister's campaign efforts.
