No clear winner in Israeli election, exit polls show

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Israel election ends in stalemate

   Israeli exit polls indicate a deadlock between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition and a diverse bloc of opposition parties led by Gantz. No clear winner has emerged, with Netanyahu's bloc winning the most seats but falling short of an overall majority. The opposition bloc, led by Eisenkot, has also declared victory. The high voter turnout, including a record number of Arab citizens voting, has added to the complexity of the situation.

   Why it matters

   The Israeli election was seen as pivotal, with Netanyahu fighting to keep power. The country has been experiencing high tensions, and the election outcome will significantly impact its future. The Palestinian Arab minority's high turnout reflects their growing desperation and concern about their future in Israel.

   What is confirmed

   • Netanyahu's bloc won the most seats but fell short of securing an overall majority.
   • The opposition bloc, led by Eisenkot, has declared victory.
   • About 80% of the votes had been counted as of Wednesday afternoon local time.
   • The election had the highest voter turnout in Israel since 1999.
   • Large segments of Israel's Palestinian Arab minority turned out in record numbers to vote.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A coalition between the anti-Netanyahu parties and the two Arab parties could be a possible way forward.

   What to watch next

   • The formation of a coalition government
   • Netanyahu's accusations of election fraud against Arab-led parties
   • The official confirmation of the final election results
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. dictionary.cambridge.org — NO | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   2. CNN — Israel election latest: Early Israeli election turnout highest in decades as Netanyahu fights to keep power
   3. Reuters — Live: Israeli exit polls indicate deadlock in pivotal election as Netanyahu faces main rival Eisenkot
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Eisenkot declares victory as bloc takes lead over Netanyahu's, despite election deadlock
   5. The New York Times — What to Expect Now That Polls Are Closed in Israel
   6. Al Jazeera — Israel election results live: Eisenkot bloc ‘ahead’ of Netanyahu camp
   7. www.cnn.com — Pope Leo XIV casts mail-in ballot for US midterm elections
   8. www.sanjuandailystar.com — Israel’s parties gird for wrangling to form a government, with no clear path
   9. www.pbs.org — A historic vote born of fear and frustration for Palestinian citizens of Israel
   10. www.africanews.com — Israel's final election results show no bloc has won a majority
   11. www.lbc.co.uk — Israel's election ends in stalemate as Netanyahu fails to secure overall majority
   12. www.democraticunderground.com — No clear winner in Israeli election, exit polls show - Democratic Underground Forums
   confidence 80%