Israel Election: Right-Wing Bloc Gains as Vote Count Continues

With approximately 60.2% of votes counted in Israel's 26th Knesset elections, the right-wing bloc is showing increased strength. The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has gained a mandate, now standing at 28 seats. Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, has also strengthened, rising to 7 mandates. Conversely, the Democrats, led by Yair Golan, and United Torah Judaism have each lost a mandate, now holding 8 and 8 seats respectively. The current coalition bloc has increased its seat count to 56, while the left-wing bloc has decreased to 48.

The National Unity party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, remains in second place with 21 mandates. The Joint List holds 12 mandates, and the Ra'am party is projected to secure 4 mandates. Yisrael Beiteinu, led by Avigdor Lieberman, holds 8 seats, and Shas has 7 seats. Religious Zionism and Identity are projected to receive 6 mandates.

Despite the coalition bloc's gains, it remains five mandates short of the 61 needed to form a government. The left-wing bloc also falls short of a majority without the support of Arab parties, making the ongoing vote count crucial for both sides. The outcome for Ra'am, currently at 3.43% of the vote, is uncertain as it hovers just above the 3.25% electoral threshold.

Parties falling below the electoral threshold include the Reservists and Economics party, led by Yoaz Hendel, with 2.67% of the vote, and the Am Israel party, led by Ofer Winter, with 1.64%. Their votes are not currently included in the mandate distribution.

These results represent a shift from previous updates, with the Likud and Otzma Yehudit gaining mandates while the Democrats and United Torah Judaism lost one each. The final results, which will include the counting of double envelopes, are expected to be published by November 4th.