An inconclusive outcome to Israel’s first election since the Oct. 7 invasion

On October 27, 2026, Israel held parliamentary elections amid ongoing tensions and three years of conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The incumbent Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, faced his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, a retired Lt. Gen., who leads the centrist party Yashar. Despite predictions that Yashar would win 20 out of 120 seats, neither Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition bloc secured an outright majority in the Knesset. Netanyahu’s coalition won 53 seats (including Likud with 27), while a bloc opposing him gained 48 seats (with Yashar securing 21). Arab-led parties collectively took 19 seats but will not govern, potentially becoming key players in forming the next government. President Isaac Herzog has called for parties to negotiate in good faith to avoid another election.