Netanyahu and Eisenkot seek coalition after inconclusive Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot both pledged to form a government after an election left neither bloc with the 61 seats needed for a majority in the Knesset.

Turnout reached nearly 78%, its highest level in decades, in Israel’s first election since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023. Preliminary projections varied: The Irish Times reported about 51 seats for each of the two main Zionist blocs, while Middle East Eye put Netanyahu’s bloc at 53 and Eisenkot’s at 48. Arab parties made substantial gains following a surge in turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel, with estimates ranging from 17 to 19 seats.

Netanyahu called for the “Jewish and Zionist majority” to unite behind a right-wing government. Eisenkot said the public had voted for change and urged Netanyahu not to use national security for political purposes. Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister while coalition negotiations proceed.

Eisenkot has ruled out including Arab parties in his coalition, complicating his route to a majority, although support from those parties outside a formal government could still allow him to lead a minority administration. Arab parties have indicated openness to supporting an anti-Netanyahu government under certain conditions.

Netanyahu’s camp alleged that the election was compromised by Arab parties, according to Middle East Eye, which reported that police said there was no evidence for the claim. Former prime minister Ehud Barak urged Eisenkot to work with Arab parties, arguing that Netanyahu’s opponents collectively held a parliamentary majority.