Netanyahu bloc leads after half of Israeli votes counted but no majority — SkimNews
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- Netanyahu's bloc holds 55 of 120 parliamentary seats after 51.8% of votes are counted, leading Eisenkot's opposition but lacking a majority
- Gadi Eisenkot's bloc secures 49 seats and vows to form a government, declaring the public voted for change and calling Netanyahu a caretaker without a mandate
- Arab Israeli parties win 16 seats, a significant gain from increased turnout, potentially holding kingmaker power despite being ruled out as coalition partners by both major candidates
- Benjamin Netanyahu calls for a 'strong government of the right' and unity among the 'Jewish and Zionist majority' but does not claim victory in his post-election speech
- Donald Trump tells reporters his endorsement of Netanyahu 'helped a lot' in the Israeli election, weighing in from the U.S. on the outcome
Why it matters: Netanyahu remains in power as caretaker prime minister, gaining time if coalition talks stall, while Eisenkot’s refusal to partner with Arab parties—despite their pivotal seat count—limits viable paths to a majority, raising the likelihood of prolonged deadlock or new elections.
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