Netanyahu Leads Early Count, But Opposition Holds More Total Votes

More than 77% of Israeli citizens cast ballots in Tuesday's parliamentary election. That figure marks the highest voter turnout in the country in over two decades.

With the majority of ballots counted by Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a lead over his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot. However, the opposition bloc as a whole drew more total votes than Netanyahu's right-wing camp. This result indicates that a large portion of the electorate sought a change in direction.

Tens of thousands of citizens living abroad returned home to participate in the vote. It was the first national election held since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Both candidates addressed supporters overnight and claimed victory. Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, told his crowd, "We made history! The public has voted for change." Netanyahu told his supporters that "the right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public."

Forming a government requires a coalition of 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset. Two Arab-led parties, the United Arab List and the Joint List, hold the balance of power. Arab citizens comprise about 20% of the population. Both leading candidates have been hesitant to partner with these groups due to growing mistrust since October 7. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party in Eisenkot's bloc, urged his allies on X to form a coalition with them, stating, "We have no future here if we don't stop being afraid. And if we don't stop with the racism."

The election took place against a backdrop of ongoing conflict. Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister for nearly two decades across multiple terms, faces scrutiny over national security. The Hamas attack killed nearly 1,200 people and left 251 hostages in captivity. Israel's military response has resulted in the deaths of more than 74,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip. Israel contests international genocide charges, and Netanyahu faces an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.

Election officials expect to finish counting all ballots, including those from soldiers, by Thursday afternoon. The candidate who finishes first will have six weeks to build a coalition. Eisenkot has pledged not to serve under Netanyahu. If no coalition is formed, Netanyahu could remain as caretaker prime minister, leading to a repeat election next year.