Israel’s preliminary election count showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s group ahead but short of a majority, leaving no group with a clear way to form the country’s next government.
With roughly 85% of ballots counted, projections gave Netanyahu’s allies 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, fewer than the 61 needed to govern. The figures remained provisional. The opposition group led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot was projected to win 48 seats, while Arab-led parties were projected to take 19.
Together, the opposition and Arab-led parties would have 67 seats. But that total does not guarantee they can form a government. Working with Arab parties is politically controversial, and Eisenkot has resisted doing so.
Netanyahu has rejected a government that relies on Arab parties and called for a right-wing government. President Isaac Herzog will consult party groups before choosing whom to ask to form a government. He urged leaders to consider different options and avoid another election.
The final count could still change the seat projections. Unless parties reach agreements, Israel faces difficult talks over forming a coalition. Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister in the meantime.