Israel faces uncertain coalition talks after exit polls projected 52–53 seats for Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc and 50 for Benjamin Netanyahu’s allies. Arab Israeli parties could become kingmakers, while a minority government, national unity coalition or fresh elections remain possible.
Israelis went to the polls in the highest turnout for decades on Tuesday, with initial exit polls showing a slight edge but no majority for the opposition, meaning the next government will be formed by whoever can cobble together a coalition.
The country’s main pollsters projected the opposition bloc, led by ex-army chief Gadi Eisenkot, to win 52 or 53 seats, and Netanyahu’s bloc to win 50.