Initial projections following Tuesday's Israeli general election indicate a narrow advantage for the opposition bloc over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vote, which saw the highest turnout in decades at nearly 75 percent, marks the first national election since the October 7, 2023, attacks, an event that has deeply influenced the political landscape and public discourse regarding security and accountability.
Exit polls conducted by major Israeli television networks, including Channels 11, 12, and 13, suggest the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is on track to secure 52 to 53 seats. In contrast, the bloc led by Netanyahu, which includes far-right factions, is projected to win approximately 50 seats. While Netanyahu's Likud party is expected to remain the largest single entity in the 120-member parliament with 24 to 25 seats, no party has achieved an outright majority, signaling the start of complex coalition negotiations.
Throughout the campaign, Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister for nearly two decades, emphasized his commitment to combating regional threats, including Hamas and Iran. On election day, he urged his supporters to increase turnout, stating, "We cannot leave this battle here in the hands of the left and the Arab parties that want to bring an end to the Jewish state." His rhetoric included warnings about the influence of Arab voters, a tactic he has employed previously in his career. Netanyahu also alleged that officials from the United Arab List were involved in bribery, a claim addressed by the Central Elections Committee, which confirmed police were investigating isolated reports of attempted voter bribery away from polling stations.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, whose campaign has focused on replacing what he described as "the worst government since the state was established," represents a stark contrast to the incumbent. The election occurs as Israel faces significant international scrutiny, including an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Netanyahu, alongside ongoing domestic corruption charges. Furthermore, the political influence of Arab parties appears to be growing, with exit polls indicating they could secure 17 to 18 seats, up from 10 in the 2022 election.
Security concerns remained high throughout the day. In Tel Aviv, police arrested a man wielding a knife who approached Yair Golan, leader of The Democrats, a party within the opposition bloc. Golan attributed the incident to political incitement, declaring, "Incitement and violence will not intimidate us." With approximately 7.3 million eligible voters, the election drew significant participation, including from expatriates who returned to Israel to cast their ballots, citing deep concerns over the country's future direction.
