Preliminary Election Results Leave Netanyahu Without Clear Majority
Partial results with over 50% of votes counted indicate that Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition holds 56 seats, compared to 49 for the opposition and 15 for the Arab parties. As neither bloc has secured the 61-seat majority required to govern, the path to forming a new government remains unclear. Netanyahu has called on his right-wing allies to consolidate support, warning against any coalition relying on Arab parties. The election is heavily influenced by security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. Recent reports suggested a rift between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over the timing of a possible military strike, though these claims were dismissed by the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has intervened in the process by urging voters to support Netanyahu.