Israelis turned out in record numbers Tuesday for the first national election since the Oct 7 Hamas massacre, a vote shaped by the ongoing war and deep societal divisions. The high turnout underscores the electorate's desire to chart a new political direction amid security and economic challenges.
Exit polls released after voting closed present a tightly contested race, with Netanyahu's right-wing bloc facing a stronger opposition challenge than projected. While a Kan 11 update indicated the pro-Netanyahu bloc had pulled even with the opposition, other surveys showed the Netanyahu camp losing its previous edge, leaving the final outcome highly uncertain.
Arab parties delivered a strong showing, emerging as potential kingmakers in the effort to form the next government. Their improved performance could prove decisive, especially as neither the right-wing nor opposition blocs appear capable of securing a clear majority independently.
With centrist leader Benny Gantz and his allies also falling short of a majority, coalition negotiations are set to dominate the political agenda in the coming days. The final composition of Israel's next government remains open to multiple scenarios, as party leaders maneuver to assemble a stable majority.