Netanyahu’s bloc falls short as longtime allies reportedly weigh move that could end his rule

Israel’s final election count has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc without a Knesset majority, creating an opening for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to try to form a government. The result matters because it could end Netanyahu’s rule, but negotiations face difficult choices over potential partners and policy compromises.

Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 of 120 seats, against 48 for Eisenkot’s alliance; the two predominantly Arab parties won 19 seats, while 61 are needed for a majority. Reports say some ultra-Orthodox lawmakers may consider supporting an Eisenkot-led minority government from outside the coalition, amid efforts to protect yeshiva students from expanded military service requirements. Their party leadership denied that negotiations had been authorised, and any arrangement involving ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties remains uncertain.