Blocs struggle to reach Knesset majority in polls, as Gadi Eisenkot leads Benjamin Netanyahu

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Gadi Eisenkot leads Netanyahu in polls ahead of October 27 election

   Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party currently leads Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud in recent polling as Israel prepares for elections on October 27. Despite Eisenkot's lead, the broader political blocs are virtually tied, with the Zionist opposition at 51.25 seats and Netanyahu's bloc at 51. This deadlock makes reaching a Knesset majority difficult for either side. Analysts suggest the final result may depend on Arab voter turnout and whether smaller parties surpass the 3.25% threshold to influence coalition arithmetic.

   Why it matters

   The 2026 election serves as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu and whether Israel's shift toward the hard-right is permanent. Voters must choose from 37 different parties. The outcome will determine who can assemble a workable coalition government during an ongoing war.

   What is confirmed

   • The Israeli election is scheduled for October 27.
   • Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party leads Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud in recent polls.
   • The Zionist opposition and Netanyahu's bloc are nearly tied with 51.25 and 51 seats respectively.
   • Small parties must meet a 3.25% threshold to enter the Knesset.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Far right gains are predicted as Israel heads to the polls.
   • Arab voter turnout could determine if Netanyahu retains power.

   What to watch next

   • October 27 election results
   • Final seat counts for parties near the 3.25% threshold
   • Coalition negotiations between Yashar and the Zionist opposition
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Yahoo — In shadow of war, Israelis to decide if hard-right turn is permanent
   2. The Jerusalem Post — Blocs struggle to reach Knesset majority in polls, as Gadi Eisenkot leads Benjamin Netanyahu
   3. www.jpost.com — Blocs struggle to reach Knesset majority in polls, as Gadi ...
   4. The Times of Israel — 2026 Israeli elections: What you need to know
   5. Reuters — Arab voter turnout could make or break Netanyahu in Israeli election
   6. AP News — A look at key parties in Israel’s Oct. 27 election seen as a referendum on Netanyahu
   7. The Guardian — ‘There’s a lot of racism, a lot of hatred’: Far right gains predicted as Israel heads to the polls
   8. The Times of Israel — Everything you need to know: ToI’s guide to the 37 parties that Israelis can (finally) choose from
   9. www.jpost.com — Israel Election 2026: Gadi Eisenkot leading Benjamin ...
   10. www.europesays.com — Blocs struggle to reach Knesset majority in polls, as Gadi ...
   11. votendi.com — Israel polls: Yashar leads Likud, small parties near threshold
   12. www.thejc.com — Opposition bloc widens lead over Netanyahu coalition days out ...
   confidence 90%