Largest election turnout in history leaves Israeli politics in limbo
As counting begins, it appears impossible for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a majority. Here’s what could happen next.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — one of Middle Eastern politics’ master players — will have to use his formidable negotiation skills to retain power after support for opposition parties surged in a national election.
As counting began across Israel, private polls of voters indicated it would be impossible for Mr Netanyahu’s Likud-led right-wing bloc to secure a majority.
But despite the largest voter turn out in Israeli history, an opposition led by former Defence Force chief Gadi Eisenkot failed to capitalise on widespread anger over the 2023 attacks by Hamas.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Six exit polls were split between predicting the government and opposition would win the most seats, leaving parties representing Israel’s Arab minority holding the balance of power.
But both sides said during the campaign they would not seek Arab support to form government. Concerns about crime in their own communities and wars in Gaza and southern Lebanon are likely to give Arab parties their largest representation ever.
Once the official count becomes clear, negotiations will begin among nine Jewish parties to form government, giving Mr Netanyahu a shot at his seventh election victory.
”Israel had the highest turnout in its history today, and the country is still split down the middle,” wrote analyst Hen Mazzig.
One option would be for the government and opposition to form a “national unity” government.
If neither side can assemble a majority, or stable minority, another election needs to be held within 90 days. Mr Netanyahu would remain caretaker prime minister.
