Israel exit polls show election deadlock, with Netanyahu’s fate in balance
The vote saw record turnout as Israelis passed judgment on the PM after the October 7 attacks and the ensuing wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran
Israel’s election ended in an apparent deadlock on Tuesday, exit polls by major television networks showed, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival Gadi Eisenkot on track for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
The stalemate could work in Netanyahu’s favour, allowing the long-serving prime minister to remain in power in a caretaker capacity while parties try to forge a governing coalition.
Final results could take days, and Israel’s fragmented political system leaves smaller parties potential kingmakers. No single party has ever won 61 seats outright in the 120-seat Knesset, making coalitions the norm.
