JERUSALEM, Israel — November 1, 2026

Israel is facing a fresh period of political uncertainty after the October 27 parliamentary election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc ahead in seats but short of the majority required to form a government.

The election results have produced a divided 120-member Knesset, with Netanyahu’s bloc securing 53 seats, the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot winning 48, and Arab-led parties gaining a combined 19 seats. No political grouping has reached the 61 seats needed to govern independently.

The outcome has placed Israel’s Arab-led political parties in a potentially decisive position as rival political camps explore possible coalition arrangements.

Netanyahu’s Bloc Falls Short of a Majority

Although Netanyahu’s Likud party emerged as the largest individual party with 27 seats, its wider political alliance remains eight seats short of a parliamentary majority.

The result represents a significant setback for the governing bloc, which previously held a stronger position in the Knesset.

Netanyahu now faces the challenge of securing additional support from political groups that may demand major concessions before joining a coalition.

Eisenkot Explores Alternative Government

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has also begun efforts to build a government capable of replacing Netanyahu.

His alliance holds 48 seats, meaning it would need support from other parliamentary representatives to reach the required majority.

Eisenkot has presented a set of coalition principles and indicated that lawmakers willing to accept them could participate in a broader government. His approach is aimed at attracting support beyond his existing political alliance.

However, disagreements within the opposition remain a major obstacle.

Arab Parties Could Become Kingmakers

The combined 19 seats held by the Arab-led Ra’am and Joint List parties could potentially provide the numbers needed for an alternative government.

Their electoral performance has given them an unusually influential position in the coalition negotiations.

However, several opposition politicians have previously rejected formal cooperation with Arab-led parties. This creates a difficult political dilemma: without their support, the opposition may struggle to assemble the numbers needed to remove Netanyahu from power.

The Arab parties’ final role will depend on negotiations and the willingness of other lawmakers to cooperate.

President Herzog’s Role in Government Formation

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will play an important constitutional role in the next stage of the process.

After consultations with elected parties, the president is expected to assign a lawmaker the responsibility of forming a government. The designated candidate normally receives 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension.

If the first candidate fails, another lawmaker may be given an opportunity. If no coalition can be formed through the available procedures, Israel could eventually face another election.

Until a new government is established, the outgoing administration can continue operating in a caretaker capacity.

What the Political Deadlock Means for Israel

The uncertainty comes at a sensitive time for Israel, which faces significant security, economic and diplomatic challenges.

A prolonged coalition dispute could delay major policy decisions, complicate government planning and deepen divisions within the country’s political system.

The election has also highlighted the growing importance of Arab political representation and the difficulty of building a stable government across ideological divisions.

For now, Netanyahu remains in office, while Eisenkot and other opposition leaders continue exploring possible political arrangements. Whether Israel moves towards a unity government, an alternative coalition or another election will depend on the negotiations in the coming weeks.