Netanyahu's coalition and main opposition both failed to secure a majority in Israel's election, with neither bloc reaching the 61 seats needed for a government. The results highlight a fragmented political landscape as negotiations for a coalition continue.
The exit polls show Netanyahu's Likud party and the opposition's 'Change' bloc both falling short of a majority, with the Palestinian Israeli parties securing 19 seats. The high turnout of 77.7% underscores the public's strong engagement with the election process.
The Israeli public has voted against Netanyahu's leadership, with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot emerging as a strong challenger. The fragmented political system means smaller parties could influence coalition negotiations, potentially leading to further political uncertainty.
Eisenkot has ruled out forming a government with Arab parties, complicating his path to power. The election marks the first since the October 7 attacks, with the outcome setting the stage for weeks of political maneuvering and potential further elections if no coalition is formed.