Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Likud party leads his bloc with a projected 27 seats, addressed supporters early Wednesday, vowing to establish a “strong government of the right.” He rejected the possibility of governing in coalition with Arab parties, which are projected to hold 15 seats, stating that Israel had a “unique opportunity” with US President Donald Trump to address the Iranian threat. Conversely, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party is projected to win 21 seats, called on Netanyahu to resign, arguing that voters sent a “clear message” demanding change. Eisenkot declared a “complete lack of confidence” in the incumbent and pledged to form a government committed to broader military conscription.
The final outcome could hinge significantly on a record 650,000 absentee votes, including those cast by soldiers and citizens outside their assigned polling stations. This volume of pending votes is equivalent to approximately 14 Knesset seats and is counted after standard ballots, meaning the current margins could shift substantially. The Israel Hayom newspaper noted that these votes could markedly affect the final election result, adding uncertainty to an already tight race.
Political maneuvering is already intensifying around the issue of coalition partners. Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, called on opposition partners to collaborate with Arab parties to achieve a majority, arguing that the bloc has a responsibility to form a “government of change” in partnership with Israel’s Arab citizens. However, several opposition parties have so far rejected such an alliance. The divergence in strategy highlights a fragmented opposition, with Eisenkot emphasizing a “Zionist conscription government” that represents all Israelis, while facing internal disagreements on whether Arab party participation is a viable path to stability.
Exit polls from major broadcasters Kan 11, Channel 13, and Channel 12 have shown the blocs either tied or separated by a narrow margin, with projections fluctuating as early counting progressed. Kan 11 and Channel 13 initially placed both blocs at 51 seats, while Channel 12 showed a 52-49 lead for the pro-Netanyahu camp. As the counting continues, the focus turns to the procedural next steps: the official certification of results and the opening of formal coalition talks, which are expected to be complex given the lack of a clear mandate for either side.
