With 89.8% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's bloc is set to win 53 seats, while Eisenkot's bloc is set for 48, leaving both far short of the 61 needed for a majority. The election, the first since the October 7 attacks, has left Israel in political limbo as neither leader can secure a governing coalition.
Netanyahu and Eisenkot have both pledged to form a government, but neither bloc has the necessary seats. The Arab-led parties, set to win 19 seats, could act as kingmakers, though most Jewish parties have vowed not to work with them. The final results are expected by Thursday, with President Herzog set to hold consultations to avoid another election.
The election results have led to a deadlock, with no clear winner and no immediate path to government formation. Both leaders are likely to need to form coalitions with Arab parties, a move that could face strong opposition from many Israelis. The outcome could determine Israel's future leadership and foreign policy.
The final count of absentee ballots is expected to be completed by Thursday, but it is unlikely to change the seat distribution significantly. The official results will be announced on November 4, and the process of forming a government could take weeks, with another election possible if no coalition is formed.