Israeli Election Deadlock: Exit Polls Show Netanyahu and Eisenkot Blocs Tied at 51 Seats

According to The Guardian World, Israeli voters have delivered a split verdict in the latest parliamentary elections, as updated exit polls from major broadcasters Kan 11 and Channel 13 show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc tied with the opposition grouping led by Gadi Eisenkot at 51 seats each. A separate projection from Channel 12 placed Netanyahu’s bloc at 50 seats against 52 for the opposition.

According to The Guardian, these figures remain subject to change, as Israeli exit polls are known to be imprecise and often fluctuate during the final tally. Forming a majority government requires 61 seats in the Knesset.

Turnout reached 77.7% by 10 p.m., marking the highest level in almost three decades. The final results may remain uncertain for several days, as election officials must still process an estimated 600,000 to 650,000 ballots from "special polling stations," including those cast by soldiers, prisoners, and hospitalized citizens. Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beitenu party, noted that these absentee ballots have the potential to shift the final seat distribution.

Following the exit polls, Eisenkot stated that the public had voted for change, while Netanyahu’s supporters remain hopeful that final counts may favor the Likud party. Amichai Chikli, the minister for diaspora affairs, told the Associated Press that the party remains "cautiously optimistic" and urged patience, noting that historical trends often see Likud performing better in final tallies than in initial exit projections. Meanwhile, Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, suggested that an opposition coalition could potentially include Palestinian parties.

Israeli media reports that Netanyahu is expected to address supporters at his party’s headquarters in Jerusalem as the country awaits the official outcome.