International Israel's 26th General Election Ballot Count Complete...Both Ruling and Opposition Blocs Fall Short of Majority, Coalition Negotiations Ahead

Israel's Central Elections Committee announced on the 29th (local time) that the final vote count for the 26th Knesset general election showed that the right-wing ruling bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured only 53 seats, falling short of the majority requirement of 61 seats.

According to the ballot count results, Likud, the ruling party of Prime Minister Netanyahu, won 27 seats and maintained its position as the largest party in parliament. Yesh Atid, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, followed with 21 seats, emerging as the central force of the opposition.

The anti-Netanyahu bloc secured a total of 48 seats, while the Arab parties Joint List and Ra'am combined to secure 19 seats, emerging as the crucial kingmakers in future political dynamics.

Of the Knesset's total 120 seats, a minimum of 61 seats is required to form a cabinet and appoint a prime minister. However, with both the ruling and opposition blocs failing to achieve a solo majority, coalition negotiations over control are expected to become increasingly intense.

The final voter turnout for the 26th general election was 77.9%. The Central Elections Committee will undergo verification procedures and submit the final official results to President Isaac Herzog on November 4.

Following consultations with leaders of each political party, the president will grant government formation authority. The new Knesset will officially convene on November 10.