Israel Election Poll: Eisenkot's Bloc Beats Netanyahu as Likud Gains Ground
Gadi Eisenkot is expected to receive the presidential mandate to form government after religious parties including Ra'am, Democrats and Joint List backed him, while Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats but lacks the 61 needed for a majority. Eisenkot's opposition coalition has 48 seats, leaving Arab parties with 19 seats holding the balance of power in a protracted coalition formation process.
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- ✓ Netanyahu's right-wing and religious alliance holds 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.
- ✓ Eisenkot's opposition coalition holds 48 seats.
- ✓ Two Arab parties hold a combined 19 seats.
- ✓ 61 seats are required for a parliamentary majority.
What changed
Arab parties and centrist Democrats formally recommended Eisenkot for the presidential mandate, shifting momentum away from Netanyahu who only received backing from Otzma Yehudit and abstentions from others.
Live updates
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Israel election: Eisenkot gains presidential mandate as bloc edges Netanyahu, coalition deadlock persists
Gadi Eisenkot is expected to receive the presidential mandate to form government after religious parties including Ra'am, Democrats and Joint List backed him, while Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats but lacks the 61 needed for a majority. Eisenkot's opposition coalition has 48 seats, leaving Arab parties with 19 seats holding the balance of power in a protracted coalition formation process.
Why it matters
The inconclusive election has left neither bloc with a parliamentary majority, forcing negotiations over who can secure the 61 seats required to form a government. Eisenkot's bloc gained momentum when several Arab parties and centrist Democrats recommended him, while Netanyahu's religious allies remained divided. This deadlock reflects deep fragmentation in Israeli politics and the decisive role of Arab parties in determining the next government.
What is confirmed
- Netanyahu's right-wing and religious alliance holds 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.
- Eisenkot's opposition coalition holds 48 seats.
- Two Arab parties hold a combined 19 seats.
- 61 seats are required for a parliamentary majority.
- Ra'am, Democrats and Joint List recommend Eisenkot for presidential mandate.
- Otzma Yehudit recommends Netanyahu for presidential mandate.
- UTJ abstains from recommending a candidate.
What to watch next
- Presidential consultations and formal mandate award to Eisenkot
- Coalition negotiations between Eisenkot's bloc and Arab parties
- Potential alternative coalition arrangements involving smaller parties
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
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Israel Coalition Talks Intensify Amid Knesset Deadlock
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot are locked in a power struggle to form the next government following last week's inconclusive general election. Neither bloc has secured the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority, with Netanyahu's right-wing and religious alliance holding 53 seats and Eisenkot's opposition coalition holding 48 seats. Two Arab parties hold a combined 19 seats, placing them in a potentially decisive position. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are uniting behind Eisenkot, while Netanyahu refuses to concede defeat as negotiations intensify ahead of upcoming presidential consultations.
Why it matters
The 2026 Israeli general election left the country without a clear winner, threatening prolonged political instability. With neither major bloc reaching the threshold for a Knesset majority, coalition negotiations are heavily dependent on smaller factions, including the combined 19 seats held by two Arab parties. President consultations are approaching as leaders maneuver for control.
What is confirmed
- Neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot secured the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.
- Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc holds 53 seats.
- Eisenkot's opposition alliance holds 48 seats.
- Two Arab parties hold a combined 19 seats.
What to watch next
- Presidential consultations leading to government formation attempts
- Coalition negotiations involving Arab parties and unaligned factions
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- thejewishweekly.com — Netanyahu and Eisenkot Battle for Power as Israel Faces ...
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Israel Election Ends Without Clear Majority for Netanyahu or Eisenkot
Final results confirm no clear winner in the 2026 Israeli general election, leaving both Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot without the 61 seats required for a Knesset majority. While Likud emerged as the largest single party, Eisenkot's opposition bloc led in initial exit polls. Arab parties saw a surge, reaching 17 to 19 seats, which complicates coalition efforts for both sides. Netanyahu remains in office for now, while Eisenkot faces internal opposition divisions. The result has triggered a possibility of a minority government or another election.
Why it matters
This is the first general election since the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. The deadlock forces the president to decide who receives the first opportunity to form a government.
What is confirmed
- Neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot reached the 61-seat majority needed to form a government.
- Likud emerged as the largest party in the election.
- Arab parties are predicted to have reached a combined seat total of 17 to 19.
- Benjamin Netanyahu remains in office without a majority.
Still unconfirmed
- Zehut's Feiglin claims the Knesset is illegitimate and calls for new elections.
What to watch next
- The president's decision on who gets the first chance to form a government
- The outcome of coalition talks between the opposition bloc and Arab parties
- Potential formation of a minority government
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (28)
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- www.jpost.com — Israel Election 2026: Gadi Eisenkot leads Benjamin Netanyahu ...
- www.cnn.com — Netanyahu fights for his political survival as pivotal Israeli election kicks off
- www.nbcnews.com — Israel election live updates: Netanyahu battles to stay in power...
- www.israelnationalnews.com — Final poll: Eisenkot leads, Likud surges - Israel National News
- www.jpost.com — Israel election exit polls: Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot ...
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- nypost.com — Netanyahu loses seats, trails challenger Gadi Eisenkot in Israel election, exit polls show — here’s what happens next
- gulfnews.com — ‘We won’: Eisenkot claims ‘complete victory’ in Israeli ...
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Eisenkot's Yashar Leads Likud in Latest Polling as Blocs Remain Tied
Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party is now the largest political force in Israel, holding a four-seat lead over Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud according to a Walla poll. Yashar is projected to win 23 seats compared to 19 for Likud. Despite this party-level shift, the broader coalition battle remains a deadlock. Polling averages show the Zionist opposition at 51.25 seats and Netanyahu's bloc at 51, leaving both sides well short of the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority. Voter certainty is significantly higher for Likud supporters at 68% than for Yashar supporters at 40%.
Why it matters
The political shift follows Benny Gantz's decision to exit the race. This movement allows Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party to gain ground alongside Eisenkot. The inability of either bloc to reach 61 seats suggests a potential period of political instability or the need for complex coalition negotiations.
What is confirmed
- Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party leads Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud by four seats in a Walla poll.
- Yashar is projected to win 23 seats and Likud 19 seats.
- The polling average for the Zionist opposition is 51.25 seats while Netanyahu's bloc holds 51.
Still unconfirmed
- Voter certainty for Yashar is 40% compared to 68% for Likud.
What to watch next
- Official candidate lists for the 2026 elections
- New polling data to confirm if the 48-seat projection for Netanyahu's bloc persists
- Coalition negotiations between Yashar and other opposition parties
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.jpost.com — Israel Election 2026: Gadi Eisenkot leading Benjamin ...
- www.jpost.com — Israel election 2026: Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett gain as ...
- votendi.com — Israel Poll 2026: Eisenkot Leads, Voter Certainty Differs ...
- www.theyeshivaworld.com — NEW ISRAELI POLL: Netanyahu Bloc Falls To 48 Seats As ...
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Eisenkot's Yashar Leads Likud as Coalition Blocs Tie in Polls
Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party has overtaken Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud as the largest political force in recent polling. While Yashar leads on party strength and Eisenkot leads Netanyahu 43% to 38% in suitability for office, the broader coalition blocs remain deadlocked. Recent surveys show the governing bloc and the Zionist opposition tied at 52 seats each, leaving both short of the 61 seats required for a Knesset majority. Both leading candidates are campaigning on hardline stances against Hamas and Iran.
Why it matters
Israel is preparing for the 26th Knesset election on October 27, 2026. The results will determine if Netanyahu can maintain his government or if the opposition can form a new coalition. A majority of Israelis support including Chareidi parties in the next government.
What is confirmed
- The election for the 26th Knesset is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
- Recent polls show the governing coalition and the Zionist opposition tied at 52 seats each.
- Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party has overtaken Likud as the largest political force in recent polling.
- Neither the governing bloc nor the opposition bloc currently holds a 61-seat majority.
Still unconfirmed
- Gadi Eisenkot leads Benjamin Netanyahu 43% to 38% in suitability for office.
- A majority of Israelis support including Chareidi parties in the next government.
- The opposition bloc lost one seat after the Democrats dropped by one mandate.
What to watch next
- October 27 election results
- Changes in seat counts for the governing and opposition blocs
- Shift in suitability ratings for Eisenkot and Netanyahu
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (23)
- www.timesofisrael.com — The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Israel | Israel | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.jpost.com — The Jerusalem Post - All News from the Middle East, Israel, and...
- simple.wikipedia.org — Israel - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Israel - Wikipedia
- fr.wikipedia.org — Israël — Wikipédia
- en.wikipedia.org — Israel - Wikipedia
- www.jpost.com — Gaps narrow between Knesset blocs as security issues come to ...
- www.thejc.com — JC poll tracker: Who is on course to win the 2026 Israeli ...
- www.israel.com — Israel News | Israel.com
- www.wionews.com — Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll
- www.jpost.com — Poll: Likud gains ground as Netanyahu's coalition closes gap ...
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Netanyahu Coalition Averages 50.8 Seats Ahead of October 27 Election
Benjamin Netanyahu's outgoing coalition currently averages 50.8 seats in polling for the October 27 election, leaving the bloc 10 seats short of the 61 required for a majority. While previous reports highlighted Gadi Eisenkot's lead in specific polls, current averages show a divided electorate. Voters in Jerusalem express conflicting views, with some supporting the current prime minister and others seeking a change in leadership as the 26th Knesset election approaches.
Why it matters
The upcoming vote determines if Netanyahu can maintain power or if a rival bloc led by Eisenkot can form a government. A 61-seat majority is the threshold for controlling the Knesset.
What is confirmed
- Israel will elect its 26th Knesset on 27 October 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Netanyahu's outgoing coalition averages 50.8 seats.
- Some residents of Jerusalem pledge support for the prime minister while others hope for change.
What to watch next
- Official election results on 27 October
- Broadcaster exit polls on election night
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.theguardian.com — Israelis divided as vote that could oust Netanyahu only weeks away | Israel
- www.israel.com — Israel Election 2026: Polls, Average and Coalition Tracker ...
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Eisenkot's Bloc Leads Netanyahu in Israel Election Polls
Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party leads Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud in several recent polls, with projections ranging from 22 to 4 seat advantages, ahead of Israel's October 27, 2026 election. Eisenkot is preferred as prime minister over Netanyahu by 48% to 36% in one survey, while another shows a near tie. The polls vary, but most indicate a competitive race.
Why it matters
The shifting electoral dynamics suggest a highly competitive race where no bloc has secured a definitive victory. Eisenkot's relatively low profile campaign contrasts with Netanyahu's efforts to regain ground. The outcome remains uncertain with multiple polls showing conflicting results.
What is confirmed
- Eisenkot's Yashar party leads Likud by 4 seats in a Channel 13 survey.
- Eisenkot is preferred as prime minister over Netanyahu by 48% to 36%.
- The election is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
- The Knesset has 120 seats, with 61 needed for a majority.
Still unconfirmed
- 39% would prefer Netanyahu as prime minister compared to 38% for Eisenkot in a Kan poll.
What to watch next
- Further polls and election day results
- Netanyahu and Eisenkot's campaign strategies
- The final Knesset seat distribution
confidence 60%Sources used for this update (7)
- en.yenisafak.com — Eisenkot's Yashar leads Likud, tops Netanyahu in PM preference: Poll
- www.jpost.com — Israel election poll: Eisenkot's Yashar leads as Netanyahu ...
- www.thepetek.com — Israel Election Polls 2026: Seat Average · The Petek
- article.wn.com — Eisenkot’s Yashar leads Likud, tops Netanyahu in premiership ...
- www.jpost.com — Knesset polls vary wildly, outcome still in question as ...
- www.turkiyetoday.com — Eisenkot-led opposition bloc leads Netanyahu in Israel poll
- www.jfeed.com — Netanyahu Bloc Leads Eisenkot 54-52 in Channel 13 Poll | JFeed
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Eisenkot Bloc Leads Netanyahu in Election Polls
Gadi Eisenkot currently leads Benjamin Netanyahu in election polling and prediction markets. While Eisenkot's bloc shows strength, observers note he has campaigned minimally. Simultaneously, the Likud party is gaining ground despite losses among Netanyahu's far-right allies. The shifting electoral dynamics suggest a competitive race where Eisenkot holds a lead but has not yet secured a definitive victory.
Why it matters
The competition pits Gadi Eisenkot against incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu for leadership. The race is influenced by the stability of far-right coalitions and the ability of challengers to mobilize voters.
What is confirmed
- Gadi Eisenkot's bloc is beating Benjamin Netanyahu in election polling.
- Gadi Eisenkot has widened the gap against Benjamin Netanyahu on Polymarket.
Still unconfirmed
- Eisenkot does not have the election sewn up.
What to watch next
- Updated polling data regarding Likud party gains.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- Haaretz — Israel Election Poll: Eisenkot's Bloc Beats Netanyahu as Likud Gains Ground
- The Times of Israel — Eisenkot does not have this election sewn up. So why is he barely campaigning?
- Haaretz — Opinion | Netanyahu's far-right losses show how deeply Kahanism has taken hold in Israel
- i24NEWS — Gadi Eisenkot Widens The Gap Against Benjamin Netanyahu On Polymarket
- jpost.com — Gadi Eisenkot must find his voice as Israel’s election shifts
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