Five key takeaways from Israel’s parliamentary elections

Tuesday's vote was largely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership and response to the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war on Gaza. The election also came amid escalating Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and mounting tensions with neighboring countries.

Late-night exit polls from Israel's Channel 12 broadcaster projected the Netanyahu bloc would win 52 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party was projected to win 49 seats. Earlier, Channel 13 had indicated a tie with each bloc winning 51 seats.

The polls suggested Netanyahu's Likud party could emerge as the single largest party with an estimated 27 seats, compared to 21 for Eisenkot's Yashar party. Arab parties were projected to win 19 seats collectively, building on their 2022 performance.

Leaders React to Results

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot claimed the Israeli public had voted for change. "This will be a new start. A real new start on a new path. The old era is over, and Israel is starting a new era," he told supporters at his party headquarters.

Prime Minister Netanyahu countered that his Likud party is dominant and called for forming a "national right-wing government." "What we've seen is that the Likud party is the largest party – nobody can compete with us," he said. "The second thing that is clear as well is that the right bloc has a majority. And it is a decisive majority."

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowed to continue expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank after his party was projected to win seven seats. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised his Otzma Yehudit party's performance, noting it "was not even existing on the political landscape." Democrats leader Yair Golan stated Israeli voters had "fired the Netanyahu government."

Record Turnout Reported

The Central Elections Committee reported that 77.7% of eligible voters participated, the highest turnout since 1999 and up 7.1 percentage points from 2022. Israel's military said turnout among soldiers exceeded 68% by 5pm local time, with more than 60,000 Israelis returning from abroad to vote.

Polling stations closed at 10pm local time, but the committee allowed anyone still in line to vote. The high turnout reflects the significance of this election, which comes amid ongoing conflict and political polarization in Israel.

Arab Parties Accuse Netanyahu

Prominent Arab politicians accused Netanyahu of inciting hatred against Palestinian citizens to boost his electoral prospects. Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen said Netanyahu knew "we can put an end to his bloody reign." United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas called Netanyahu's comments a "scare tactic to mobilise right-wing voters and drive them to the polls."

Netanyahu attacked Arab voters in posts on X, describing them as "Muslim Brotherhood supporters" and accusing them of "raiding the polling stations and stealing the elections." He urged right-wing Israelis to "go out and vote for Likud," calling it "a matter of life and death for us."

Coalition Formation Process

After the vote is finalized, parties will begin negotiations to reach the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. The bloc with the most votes will have options including forming a minority government or power-sharing arrangements. President Isaac Herzog will consult party leaders before nominating a candidate to form a government, who then has up to 42 days to succeed.

If no government emerges, Netanyahu's current cabinet will remain as a caretaker government. If negotiations completely fail, new elections will be called. The final vote tally is expected by Friday, with official results formally published on November 4.