No clear majority after Israeli elections

Israeli legislative elections have resulted in no single party or coalition securing a clear majority, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Gadi Eisenkot both indicating they are prepared to form a government, signaling intense negotiations ahead.

Tied results in the Knesset

According to exit polls, Netanyahu and Eisenkot are tied with 51 seats each, far from the 61 seats needed to achieve a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. However, partial results published by the Israeli Electoral Commission after counting 50.1% of the ballots indicated Netanyahu's Likud and its allies with 56 seats, compared to 49 for the opposition bloc and 15 for Arab parties.

Arab parties as potential kingmakers

Netanyahu, who has campaigned against Arab parties, stated that forming a government relying on Arab parties is out of the question, while Gadi Eisenkot has previously rejected such an alliance. The rise of Israeli Arab lists, Raam and the Unified List, with 18 or 19 expected seats, could make them potential kingmakers.

Impasse and possible minority government

Political analysts suggest that Netanyahu has no means to form a government, and Eisenkot's bloc will have to either form a government with Arab parties or establish a minority government, both options previously rejected by the opposition camp. The situation currently resembles an impasse, with parties set to engage in weeks of intense negotiations to form a government coalition.

Security concerns and political rhetoric

Netanyahu, in his speech, called on the Jewish and Zionist majority to regroup and unite, emphasizing the need to establish a strong right-wing government. He also raised the Iranian threat, stating Israel has a unique historical opportunity with President Trump to eliminate the existential threat from Iran.

Elections amid international and domestic tensions

The election results come amid growing international criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza and the violence and expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank under the most right-wing government in Israel's history. Israelis participated massively in the election, with a participation rate of 77.7%, the highest since 1999. The elections also take place in the shadow of the October 7, 2023 attacks, which have strengthened the country's polarization.