Israel Election: Netanyahu Leads Eisenkot as Opposition Bloc Gains Ground

The lead in Israel's parliamentary election is tight, with no clear victor declared as of Wednesday morning.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently ahead of Gadi Eisenkot in the official count. However, the combined opposition bloc holds more votes than Netanyahu's right-wing alliance. This result reflects strong support for change among voters, including a notable turnout from two Arab-led parties.

Both leaders addressed their bases on Tuesday night, claiming victory based on early numbers. Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, stated, "We made history! The public has voted for change." Netanyahu countered that his right-wing bloc has a "clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public." The closeness of the race suggests a period of political gridlock may follow.

Forming a government requires a coalition of at least 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset. The final outcome depends on negotiations between competing alliances. Arab voters, who comprise about 20% of the population, could be decisive. The United Arab List and the Joint List are potential kingmakers, yet both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have historically resisted partnering with them.

Election officials reported that voter turnout exceeded 77%, the highest figure in more than 20 years. Tens of thousands of expatriates returned from abroad to vote in the first election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. Counting is expected to conclude by Thursday afternoon, including ballots from Israeli soldiers.

The election follows a war that has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the local Health Ministry. Israel is facing international charges of genocide, and Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes. Public opinion remains divided. A July 2025 poll indicated that 67% of Israelis were not very troubled by the suffering in Gaza. Netanyahu's supporters argue the wars have restored security, while critics question his leadership after the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

At his election night event in Jerusalem, videos showed military airstrikes and endorsements from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump urged voters to reelect Netanyahu to "finish the job that we started." Potential attacks on Iran are under discussion, possibly after U.S. midterm elections. On the opposition side, Yair Golan of the Democrats party called for a coalition with Arab parties. He said, "We have no future here if we don't stop being afraid. And if we don't stop with the racism."

The candidate with the highest vote count will receive the first opportunity to form a coalition. They have six weeks to secure enough seats. If no government is formed, Netanyahu will remain as caretaker prime minister, and a new election will be held next year.