Election Night: From Exit Polls to Government Formation

Polling stations across the country closed at 10:00 PM, though smaller stations with up to 350 voters, as well as those in hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes, closed earlier at 8:00 PM. The primary challenge for any political bloc is securing a majority of 61 Knesset seats. The performance of "swing" parties hovering near the electoral threshold is critical, as their inclusion or exclusion can significantly alter the final coalition math.

Actual vote counting began overnight, with approximately 70% of ballots expected to be processed by Wednesday morning. A significant portion of the vote, including roughly 600,000 "double envelope" ballots cast by soldiers, will not be counted until Wednesday night. These votes have historically altered final seat distributions, and official results are not expected until Thursday, October 29, 2026, with the final official publication within eight days of the vote.

Once the final results are official, President Yitzhak Herzog will begin consultations with party representatives to task a Knesset member with forming the next government. The designated candidate will have 28 days, with a potential 14-day extension, to build a coalition. The newly formed government must then win a vote of confidence in the Knesset to officially take office.