Israel Election Results: Netanyahu Bloc Leads as Votes Still Being Counted

Despite the deadlock, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have vowed to form the next government. Netanyahu's Likud party remains the largest single party, projected to win 27 seats, while Eisenkot's Yashar party is projected to secure 21 or 22 seats. Netanyahu has declared his intention to form a strong, right-wing nationalist government, highlighting a historic opportunity to counter the Iranian threat in cooperation with US President Donald Trump. Eisenkot has ruled out joining a Netanyahu-led government, even under a rotation agreement, and has called on Netanyahu to accept the public's vote of no confidence.

The final outcome of the election remains highly uncertain as the Central Elections Committee continues to process approximately 600,000 double-envelope ballots, which include votes from soldiers, reservists, prisoners, and diplomats. These special ballots, which are significantly more numerous than in the 2022 elections, could substantially alter the final seat distribution. Political analysts warn that the current balance of power will severely limit Netanyahu's operational freedom in the Knesset, while the country faces the prospect of prolonged political instability or even another election.