Israel's vote: 61 seats needed to form government in tight race

Israeli voters cast ballots at a rate above 77% on Tuesday, the highest participation in more than two decades. With the majority of votes counted by Wednesday morning, no single candidate held a clear mandate, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, in the official tally.

The election outcome depends on a complex arithmetic of alliances. A governing coalition requires at least 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset. While Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc is ahead in the direct count, the combined opposition groups hold a larger total number of votes. This split suggests many citizens voted to express dissatisfaction with the current government, creating a scenario that could result in weeks of political gridlock before a new cabinet is formed.

Arab-led parties are positioned as potential dealmakers. The United Arab List, a socially conservative faction, and the Joint List, a left-wing group, together represent a substantial portion of the electorate. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have historically resisted partnering with these groups, yet their votes are essential for any candidate to reach the 61-seat threshold. This dynamic places the minority parties in a strong negotiating position for policy concessions.

Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, addressed supporters overnight to claim victory for a center-right platform focused on diplomacy. He stated, “We made history! The public has voted for change.” Netanyahu countered with a message of unity for his camp, telling supporters, “The right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public.” Both leaders appeared to declare triumph before the final count was complete.

The campaign centered on the war in Gaza and the national security implications of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Nearly 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in that assault. Since then, the Israeli military has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Public opinion is divided on these outcomes. A July 2025 poll indicated that more than 67% of Israelis were not very troubled by the suffering in Gaza, while others question Netanyahu’s leadership in the face of an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.

International relations played a role in the campaign. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli voters to reelect Netanyahu to “finish the job that we started.” The two leaders have discussed potential attacks against Iran, a move that could occur after the U.S. midterm elections. Netanyahu’s Likud party event in Jerusalem featured videos of military strikes and endorsements from Trump, reinforcing a narrative of strength among his base.

Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party within Eisenkot’s bloc, called for a coalition with Arab parties. He posted on X, “We have no future here if we don’t stop being afraid. And if we don’t stop with the racism.” This stance contrasts with the heightened mistrust of Arab political leaders that has grown since the 2023 attack, despite the mathematical advantage such a partnership would provide.

Election officials expect to finish counting votes, including those from military personnel, by Thursday afternoon. The leading candidate will then receive six weeks to form a government. If neither bloc secures a majority, Netanyahu may continue as a caretaker prime minister, and a repeat election would be held in 2027. No party in Israel’s parliamentary system has ever won an outright majority, making post-election negotiations a standard part of the political process.