Netanyahu leads Eisenkot in early Israeli vote as opposition bloc gains ground

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, both claimed victory on Tuesday night, yet neither could point to a clear mandate as early results from Israel’s parliamentary election came in. The race remained tight enough to suggest a prolonged period of political uncertainty.

With the majority of votes counted by Wednesday morning, Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc held a lead over Eisenkot in the official tally. However, the combined opposition groups, including two Arab-led factions, secured more total votes than the prime minister’s alliance. This result indicated that a large portion of the electorate sought change in government leadership.

Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff running on a platform of increased diplomacy, told supporters, “We made history! The public has voted for change.” Netanyahu countered that his coalition had achieved a “clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public.” Both leaders addressed crowds before the full count was complete.

Forming a government requires a coalition of at least 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset. The final outcome now depends on complex negotiations between various parties. Two Arab-led parties, the United Arab List and the Joint List, could serve as kingmakers, although both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have historically resisted partnering with them.

Election officials reported that voter turnout exceeded 77%, the highest rate in more than two decades. Tens of thousands of expatriates returned to vote in the first election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. The campaign centered on public safety and the conduct of the war in Gaza, which has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Netanyahu faces international pressure, including an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, while his supporters argue that military strength has restored security. At his election night event in Jerusalem, videos showed military operations and an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged voters to reelect Netanyahu to “finish the job that we started.”

Election officials expect to finish counting all ballots, including those from soldiers, by Thursday afternoon. The leading candidate will then have six weeks to build a governing coalition. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party in Eisenkot’s bloc, called for a coalition with Arab parties on social media, stating, “We have no future here if we don’t stop being afraid.”

If neither side secures the necessary majority, Netanyahu will remain as caretaker prime minister. A repeat election would then be scheduled for next year. No party in Israel’s parliamentary system has ever won a majority on its own, making coalition building a constant requirement for governance.