Netanyahu bloc leads in first count
The preliminary result gives the right-wing bloc a lead, but a majority is not yet certain.
Follow-up to: Exit polls point to political deadlock in Israel Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 22:25
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As votes are counted in Israel, the bloc around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is provisionally ahead. The distribution of seats may still change, and neither camp has secured a majority in the Knesset.
The first counts indicate a lead for Netanyahu’s Likud bloc. According to preliminary figures reported by Israeli media and news agencies, the bloc is ahead of the opposition, but the threshold of 61 seats remains uncertain. A governing majority requires 61 of the 120 seats.
The result follows an election in which the two major camps emerged almost level in the exit polls. Those polls gave Netanyahu’s bloc approximately 50 to 52 seats and the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot, approximately 49 to 51 seats. The preliminary count may still differ from this.
Netanyahu called on his supporters to form a strong right-wing government. According to the same news agency, Eisenkot countered that voters had, in his view, rejected a continuation of Netanyahu’s leadership. Both statements are political interpretations; they do not constitute an official result.
The Arab parties and smaller factions may once again play a key role in coalition formation. If neither bloc wins 61 seats, negotiations will follow over support, participation in a coalition or an arrangement in which a government seeks majorities on individual issues.
The election is taking place after Hamas’s attack on 7 October 2023 and the wars that followed in the region. In the coming hours and days, the definitive distribution of seats and the parties’ recommendations to the president will be of particular importance.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The preliminary count gives the bloc around Netanyahu a lead.
- According to the available preliminary figures, neither camp is certain to have 61 seats.
- Smaller and Arab parties may become decisive in coalition formation.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that the result is not clear support for continuing Netanyahu’s policies and that opposition parties must work together to enable a new direction.
Values Democratic renewal, the rule of law and limiting prolonged concentration of power.
Consequences Fears that a new right-wing coalition will continue the policy on the conflict and pressure on minorities.
Centre
Arguments Sees above all a complicated coalition puzzle and emphasises that the final count and institutional coalition-building must be awaited.
Values Governability, parliamentary legitimacy and continuity of the state.
Consequences Warns of protracted negotiations and a fragile government.
Right
Arguments Emphasises that the preliminary result leaves room for continuing a security-focused government and warns against a coalition dependent on small or Arab parties.
Values National security, stability and a strong negotiating position towards regional opponents.
Consequences Fears that a centre-left or broad coalition would become indecisive on defence and foreign policy.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core facts have been confirmed by AP, Reuters and AFP. The preliminary nature of the count and the political interpretations are clearly distinguished.
- confirmed The bloc around Netanyahu is provisionally ahead. — Reported by AP and Reuters on 28 October 2026. source
- confirmed A majority requires 61 of the 120 seats. — Described in reporting by AFP and Reuters. source
- confirmed The result follows exit polls without a clear winner. — AP and Reuters describe the earlier neck-and-neck race. source
Editor's note
The new development is the preliminary count following the previously reported exit polls. The distribution of seats is not yet final; statements by Netanyahu and Eisenkot are presented as political claims.Sources
- The Latest: As votes are counted, no clear winner emerges in Israel’s election — Associated Press
- Netanyahu, Eisenkot stake rival claims to lead Israel after deadlocked vote — Reuters via Investing.com
- Israel opposition takes edge over Netanyahu but no majority — AFP
The story so far
- Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 05:11 Israel votes next week: can Netanyahu continue to govern?
- Wednesday, 21 October 2026, 21:26 AI plays key role in Israeli election campaign
- Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 14:54 Man with knife arrested near Israeli opposition leader
- Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 19:56 Electoral commission rejects Netanyahu request
- Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 22:25 Exit polls point to political deadlock in Israel
- Wednesday, 28 October 2026, 07:57 Netanyahu bloc leads in first count (this article)
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