Israel blocs tied in new polls

Revised exit polls released on Tuesday evening place Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing bloc and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot in a deadlock. Each side is projected to win 51 seats in the Knesset. Both figures fall below the 61 seats required to form a majority government.

The numbers changed during the night. Earlier polls had shown Eisenkot holding a slight advantage. Israeli exit surveys are frequently adjusted after initial release and are known for wide margins of error, meaning the final count could shift by several seats.

Projections also indicate a major surge for Palestinian parties. Forecasts suggest they may secure up to 18 seats, an increase from the 10 they currently hold. If Eisenkot fails to reach a majority, analysts say he will need to negotiate with the Joint List and Ra'am. That process could take weeks. Alternatively, he might form a minority government sustained by informal, vote-by-vote agreements.

Netanyahu addressed a crowd in Jerusalem just after 3am. He stated that official results would confirm Likud as the largest party. He argued for a strong, right-wing national government and said a cabinet relying on Palestinian parties should not be formed. In Tel Aviv, Eisenkot told cheering supporters that the public voted against Netanyahu’s leadership. He claimed a worthy leader would accept this non-confidence and retire from politics immediately.

Eisenkot also warned Netanyahu against using Israel’s security for political ends. The comment referenced concerns that the prime minister might launch a new attack on Iran during the uncertainty. The polling followed a decision by the Central Elections Committee to reject a late bid to extend voting hours past 10pm. Netanyahu had suggested the left and Arab parties were working to steal the election. The committee rejected that claim, stating it found no evidence of systematic tampering.

The final tally will determine which side holds the stronger negotiating position. Neither bloc currently appears close to a standalone majority. This sets the stage for a prolonged period of coalition bargaining.