Jerusalem: Final results from Israel’s 2026 general elections have left no political coalition with a majority in parliament. The Central Elections Committee (CEC) released the final results on Friday morning, showing the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party winning 53 seats. The opposition coalition led by Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar party secured 48 seats, while Arab parties secured 19.
The Times of Israel reports that the election results are a major blow to Netanyahu’s coalition. His coalition held 68 seats in the outgoing parliament, but this time its number has dropped to 53.
Election Results to Be Submitted to the President on November 4
Official election results are to be submitted to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on November 4, after the Central Elections Committee completes its final investigation and reviews complaints and potential errors.
The President will then meet with leaders of all political parties. During this meeting, each party leader will recommend their preferred candidate to form a government.
However, the process of forming a new government is likely to be challenging. No coalition has the 61 seats required for a majority in parliament. Consequently, lengthy negotiations between political parties on government formation are expected to last more than two months.
New Parliament to Be Sworn in on November 10
Despite uncertainty surrounding government formation, members of Israel’s newly elected Parliament, the 26th Knesset, are scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.
Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday appealed to political leaders to do everything possible to prevent the country from facing another election. He urged the leaders involved in government formation talks to approach the discussions with an open mind.
According to The Times of Israel, Herzog said, “We must do everything possible to avoid another election. So I hope everyone who comes here will come with an open mind.”
Netanyahu and Eizenkot express confidence in forming a government
Both Netanyahu and Gadi Eizenkot have claimed to form the next government. Addressing supporters at the Likud Party headquarters in Jerusalem on Tuesday after the election, Netanyahu said that right-wing ideology enjoys widespread support among Israel’s “Zionist public.”
He also appealed for the formation of a strong right-wing government. Netanyahu also criticized political parties willing to cooperate with Arab parties, calling such alliances “shameful.”
First Elections Since the 2023 Hamas Attack
The elections held on Tuesday were the first elections in Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The 2022 elections have seen significant changes in the country’s political landscape and voter preferences.
According to final figures, 77.9 percent of eligible voters in Israel cast their ballots this time. This was one of the highest voter turnouts recorded in decades.