# Netanyahu and Eisenkot fall short of majority as Israeli votes are counted

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/netanyahu-and-his-main-rival-eisenkot-look-set-for-deadlock-as-israeli-election-exit-polls-suggest-no-clear-winner/
- Published: 2026-10-28T17:17:56+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T17:32:27+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16244885/Netanyahu-main-rival-Eisenkot-look-set-deadlock-Israeli-election-exit-polls-suggest-no-clear-winner.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Elections, Middle East, Politics, World

## Key points

- Exit polls point to a deadlock in Israel’s election.
- Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 55 seats.
- Turnout reached its highest level in over two decades.

## Summary

Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, both claimed a path to lead Israel after exit polls suggested no clear winner in the election. The vote, the first since the Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023, could leave the country facing prolonged coalition talks and Netanyahu serving as caretaker prime minister.

With 48.4 per cent of votes counted, Israeli media projected 55 seats for Netanyahu’s bloc, 50 for Eisenkot’s and 15 for Arab parties; the figures could change as counting continues. Neither bloc has the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, and both leaders face obstacles to forming a coalition with Arab parties. Turnout was 77.7 per cent, the highest in more than two decades.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.