Israel - An election with no clear winner

According to forecasts in Israel A night without a clear winner As of: October 28, 2026 • 6:47 a.m

It was a long, nerve-wracking night at the campaign headquarters in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. But this morning didn't bring any clarity. On the contrary: Israel is threatened with a months-long political blockade after the election.

According to the partial results of the count, a classic stalemate is emerging. Neither the national conservative camp nor the broad alliance of government opponents can claim a majority of 61 of the 120 seats in the Knesset.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nevertheless appeared combative in front of his supporters at his Likud party's election party. "This is just the beginning. We are still waiting for the final results, which we will receive over the next day or two," he said. "As far as the Likud is concerned, it has become clear. And that is unmistakable: the Likud is the strongest party in Israel."

In fact, according to the available partial results, Netanyahu's Likud becomes the strongest individual force - ahead of Gadi Eisenkot's new center party Yashar. The Arab parties, on the other hand, recorded significant gains. You could now play the role of tipping the scales.

According to projections, after the election in Israel, no political camp will have a majority in parliament. more

But Netanyahu clearly rejected a coalition with them on election night: "We have to form a right-wing, national and strong government. That's what has to be done. Under no circumstances should we endanger Israel by forming a government that is supported by anti-Zionist Arab parties."

It is completely unclear whether Netanyahu's bloc will even get the necessary seats for such a right-wing government. Because on the other side of the political spectrum there is also a mood of victory. The opposition sees the election results as a clear mandate to finally end the Netanyahu era.

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One of the architects of this counter-alliance is Gadi Eisenkot. For the former Chief of General Staff, the election result is already a historic turning point: "We have made history! I stand before you moved. This morning the Israeli people went to the polls to decide on the leadership that will lead Israel in the coming years. This evening we received an answer," said Eisenkot. "People have decided for change."

A change that is celebrated on paper, but presents the country with a huge mathematical problem. Neither bloc currently has a realistic chance of achieving the magic majority of 61 seats in the Knesset without the Arab parties. What Israel is now facing is the exact opposite of stability: a bitter political poker game in which every single vote will be haggled over the next few weeks.

This topic in the program: tagesschau.de | Israel after the election - A country in political stalemate | Oct 28, 2026 | 05:57 am