A Tight Race With No Clear Winner
The legislative election in Israel produced an ambiguous result. Neither bloc holds sole control of power. According to public broadcaster KAN, the pro-Netanyahu bloc won 50 mandates. The opposing bloc secured 53 seats in the Knesset. These figures indicate a tight competition. Neither bloc can form a stable government without other parties' support.
Record Voter Turnout Reported
A remarkable aspect of this vote is the record turnout. The Central Elections Committee reported that by 14:00, turnout was the highest in state history. This figure exceeds previous records from 1973 and 1988. It also surpasses the 57.7% recorded at the same time in 2022. That was the previous record for the 21st century.
Opposition Leader Vows to Replace Government
Gadi Eisenkot, former army chief and opposition leader, said results reflect a total lack of trust in Netanyahu. „We will act immediately to fulfill the people's mandate, to replace Netanyahu's government, and to form a Zionist government committed to military recruitment as soon as possible,”Eisenkot stated. His campaign focused on eliminating military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. This issue sparked heated debate.
Exit Polls Show Majority Against Prime Minister
Exit polls from major Israeli news outlets show most citizens voted against the prime minister. Although Netanyahu's current coalition holds 68 seats, polls estimate his bloc will win 50 to 51 mandates. Likud, Netanyahu's party, emerges as the largest single party with 25 mandates. Eisenkot's bloc projects 53 seats. However, neither bloc reaches the 61 mandates needed for a secure majority in the Knesset.
Arab Parties Become Decisive Factor
The Arab side became a decisive factor in the political equation. The Ra'am party, an Islamic religious formation, is projected to win seven seats. This makes it an inevitable partner for any future government. Ra'am attracted attention after naming Yoav Segalovich, a former police chief, as its second candidate. Increased turnout in the Arab community and the Gaza situation contributed to this result. Although both the Likud coalition and parts of the opposition initially ruled out cooperation with Ra'am, current results may force them to seek cooperation. A poll analyst noted: „Tonight, Israelis were reminded that their population includes Arabs and Palestinians with Israeli citizenship.” Voting Hours and Technical Issues The Central Elections Committee rejected Likud's request to extend voting hours past 22:00. The committee stated that high national turnout reflects strong public engagement. They found no need to extend hours.
However, they noted this decision is based on circumstances „as they stand.”In some areas, including a polling station used by Israeli settlers in Hebron, a power outage extended closing time from 20:00 to 22:00. Stations with fewer than 350 eligible voters usually close two hours earlier than large urban stations. The committee emphasized that anyone in line before closing time can vote.
AI's Role in the Campaign
Artificial intelligence was a major factor in the Israeli electoral campaign. Political parties widely used AI-generated videos, automated calls, and online content. Researchers raised concerns about misleading content, bots, and deepfakes before the vote. DW examined AI's growing role in the campaign, highlighting risks associated with false information.
High Turnout Challenges for Small Parties
High turnout may create problems for Netanyahu's bloc. With record turnout expected, the number of votes needed to cross the 3.25% threshold for Knesset entry will be higher. This puts small parties at risk. According to last week's polls, two parties near the threshold are Amcha Israel, led by former military commander Ofer Winter, and the Reservists Party. Winter repeatedly stated he intends to join Netanyahu's coalition. If his party fails to enter parliament, Likud's chances of forming a coalition may be jeopardized. The Central Elections Committee must decide on this issue within an hour.
Final Turnout Figures
By 18:00, the turnout rate reached 66.7%. This means approximately two out of every three eligible voters participated. This level is slightly above previous records from 1973 and 1988. It significantly exceeds the 57.7% recorded at the same time in 2022.
Arab Voters Hold the Key
Arab voters may hold the key to the election. Since neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot is expected to win a Knesset majority, Arab parties hold significant leverage.