Israel's election results are unclear. Here's what comes next.

Israelis voted on October 27, 2026, in an election with significant implications for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's future. Early exit polls suggested a close race between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief.

As votes were counted, Netanyahu's bloc was projected to secure 54 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while Eisenkot's bloc received 47. Additionally, 19 seats went to Israeli Arab parties. This outcome indicates that neither side secured a clear majority needed for immediate coalition formation.

Post-election negotiations are expected to be lengthy and complex due to Israel’s proportional representation system. The Central Election Committee is still counting votes with hundreds of thousands of ballots from soldiers and diplomats abroad yet to be included, delaying the final results until October 30 or later.

The political landscape remains uncertain as both Netanyahu and Eisenkot expressed confidence in their ability to form a government. If negotiations fail, Israel may face another election within several months. The economic impact has already been felt, with the Israeli shekel depreciating against the dollar amid uncertainty over future leadership and policies.