Netanyahu's bloc, comprising right-wing, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox parties, is projected to win 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, according to partial results. This places him ahead of the 48 seats needed for a majority. With nearly 86% of votes counted, no clear winner has emerged.
Absentee ballots remain to be counted, with about 500,000 still unaccounted for. This uncertainty leaves Netanyahu's position in limbo. His allies are on track to secure the most seats, but not enough to form a government alone.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is seen as a potential challenger. He has a strong chance of unseating Netanyahu, according to analysts. Both leaders are now preparing for weeks of political maneuvering to build a coalition.
Hezbollah has expressed indifference to the election outcome, focusing instead on its commitment to resistance against Israel. This stance highlights the broader regional tensions.
The election outcome could lead to a caretaker government, with Netanyahu temporarily retaining power until a full coalition is formed. Political jockeying is expected to continue as parties negotiate alliances.
The situation underscores the fragile political landscape in Israel, where no single party holds a decisive edge. The next phase will determine whether Netanyahu remains in power or if a new leader emerges.
