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Israel’s 2026 election and the next government

International Politics

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The big picture

Israel allocates parliamentary seats proportionally from party-list votes. Netanyahu’s challengers include former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

A governing majority requires 61 of the 120 seats. Polling before the vote suggested neither main camp was assured that number, creating the possibility of lengthy coalition talks or another election. War and political uncertainty also shape investors’ expectations.

Where things stand

On October 29, Netanyahu alleged fraud without publicly substantiating it. Election officials said overall integrity was not systematically compromised. Coalition formation remains unsettled.

Key facts

  • Voters choose party lists.
  • A majority requires 61 seats.
  • Election forecasts are not results.

How we got here

  1. The campaign reaches its final day with an uncertain coalition outlook.

  2. Israelis vote in the parliamentary election.

  3. Counting continues without a clear winner.

  4. Election allegations intensify as government formation remains unresolved.

What happens next

  • Watch final results, coalition agreements and findings from the interference inquiry.

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