Netanyahu and Eisenkot Claim Leadership Post-Election Amidst Uncertain Outcome

Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have asserted claims to leadership. Eisenkot declared the results a vote of no confidence in Netanyahu and the "October 7th government," calling on the Prime Minister to resign and vowing to establish a Zionist conscription government. Netanyahu called for the formation of a strong right-wing national government, while Likud officials and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar urged caution, calling the opposition's celebrations premature and emphasizing that Likud remains the largest party. Former MK Benny Gantz called for a cross-bloc unity government to avoid new elections.

With neither bloc securing the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority, the final results, particularly the double envelopes, will be crucial. Arab parties, projected to win 18 seats, could play a decisive role, though Eisenkot has largely ruled out forming a government with them. Meanwhile, Mansour Abbas of Ra'am stated that his party is being approached by all sides. Analysts reported disappointment in Netanyahu's camp, with some blaming Ofer Winter for significant mandate losses for the right-wing bloc. Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest in over two decades.