Israel’s national election results have plunged the country into a likely period of extended coalition negotiations, as neither the incumbent bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor the opposition alliance headed by former general Gadi Eisenkot secured a clear majority. With approximately 70% of votes counted, Netanyahu’s coalition holds 54 seats, the Eisenkot-led Change bloc has 47, and Palestinian parties have secured 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset. A minimum of 61 seats is required to form a governing majority.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has pledged to forge a coalition government by uniting his Likud party with far-right factions and Jewish religious parties. Earlier on election night, Eisenkot declared that voters had expressed a desire for change and asserted that Netanyahu should consider retiring from politics.

One notable development in the election was the increased participation of Arab-Israeli voters, who make up roughly 20% of Israel’s population and have historically faced discrimination. This surge contributed to the Palestinian bloc’s strengthened representation in the Knesset. Analysts note that Eisenkot will likely need to collaborate with Arab-Israeli leaders to mount a viable governing coalition. It is important to highlight that while Arab-Israeli citizens can vote, millions of Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and Gaza remain disenfranchised.

The fragmented outcome reflects Israel’s increasingly complex political landscape, with far-right and religious parties exerting significant influence, alongside a reinvigorated Arab political presence. The election’s indecisiveness indicates that prolonged negotiations and potential compromises will be necessary before a new government can be formed.

As vote counting continues, the political future remains uncertain, with both Netanyahu and Eisenkot declaring their intent to lead the next government. The coming weeks are expected to involve intricate discussions among Israel’s various political factions as they seek to build a majority coalition.