Israel election leaves both main blocs short of a majority

Politics · First reported 29 Oct, 12:30 · Updated 18:28

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Final results give Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats and the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot 48 in the 120-seat Knesset. Arab-led parties won 19 seats, and negotiations now face the challenge of finding a route to the 61 seats needed for a majority.

Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats and Eisenkot’s opposition bloc 48, leaving both short of the 61 needed for a Knesset majority.
Arab-led parties won a combined 19 seats. Both main blocs have ruled out forming a government with the two principal Arab parties, Ra’am and the Joint List.
The results are to be certified and submitted to President Isaac Herzog, who will consult party leaders before choosing a candidate to try to form a government.
Possible paths outlined include a coalition built by either main bloc, a unity government, or another election; each faces political obstacles.
Election officials said they found no basis for claims of systematic violations of electoral integrity, while allegations of foreign interference were referred for investigation.

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Key facts

Knesset seats: Netanyahu bloc: 53; Eisenkot opposition bloc: 48; Arab-led parties: 19.
Majority threshold: 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset.
Next step: Results are to be certified and submitted to President Isaac Herzog, who will consult party chairs and select a candidate to try to form a government.
Party seat totals: Likud won 27 seats; Yashar won 21.