No Clear Winner in Israel Election, Final Results Show

By: Leo Sands · Johnatan Reiss and Ephrat Livni

29 October 2026 at 23:07

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party and its allies won 53 seats in Parliament, falling short of the outright majority needed to form a government. The main opposition bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, won 48.

‘We’ve Seen This Movie’: Four Writers on What’s Next for Israel

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By: Diana Buttu · Yossi Klein Halevi · Dahlia Scheindlin · Bret Stephens and Daniel J. Wakin

29 October 2026 at 23:21

A round table discussion decoding the election results.

How Netanyahu Used Fear, Again, to Win More Votes Than Anyone Else

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By: David M. Halbfinger

29 October 2026 at 10:29

Despite years of political baggage, the Israeli prime minister outperformed expectations, and his rivals, by playing on Jewish voters’ fears of Arab political power and potential security threats.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacts to exit polls during a speech at his party headquarters in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

With No Clear Winner, How Could Israel Get a Prime Minister?

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By: Johnatan Reiss · Adina Renner and Pablo Robles

29 October 2026 at 09:54

Deadlock is possible, as neither the bloc of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main challenger appear likely to win a majority. But there are still paths to a new government.

How Arab Voters in Israel Shifted the Political Landscape

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By: Aaron Boxerman

29 October 2026 at 11:44

The Arab parties have long been kept on the political sidelines. But stunning turnout by their supporters makes the Arab minority an Israeli political reality that cannot be ignored.

Voting in the predominantly Arab town of Tayibe during the Israeli election on Tuesday.

Israel’s Parties Gird for Wrangling to Form a Government, With No Clear Path

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By: Isabel Kershner · Johnatan Reiss · Aaron Boxerman · Qasim Nauman and Michael Levenson

28 October 2026 at 20:13

Votes are still being counted, but it appears that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition nor the opposition alliance headed by Gadi Eisenkot will have a majority.

Torn Likud party campaign ad featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and President Trump in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

4 Takeaways From Israel’s Election

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By: David M. Halbfinger

28 October 2026 at 14:10

Votes are still being counted, and much is in flux. But as the stage was set for bitter talks over forming a government, nearly all sides could face disappointment.

Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, Faces a Difficult Choice

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By: Ephrat Livni

28 October 2026 at 05:18

The president has a largely ceremonial role, except after elections when it is his responsibility to pick a candidate for prime minister.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog casting his ballot Tuesday in Jerusalem during Israel’s general election.

Israel’s Election: When Will We Know Who Will Be Prime Minister?

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By: Ephrat Livni

28 October 2026 at 12:38

Most votes were expected to be counted by Wednesday, but forming a government could take weeks of negotiations — or require another election.

The Key Election Issues Dividing Israelis as They Vote

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By: Aaron Boxerman

27 October 2026 at 09:02

The question of accountability for the government’s failures in the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, looms over the election.

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis protesting military conscription for members of their community in Jerusalem last year.

In Israel’s Election, It’s Nationalism vs. Founding Ideals

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By: Roger Cohen

27 October 2026 at 14:10

As Israel votes, ever more strident hard-right views compete with hopes for a diverse land. The outcome could shape the country’s identity for years.

A banner for the Likud party and its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, with the slogan, “The Right or Palestine.” Other candidates in the elections are to the left of it.

Israel’s Future

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By: Sam Sifton

26 October 2026 at 10:51

We look at what’s at stake in tomorrow’s elections.

What the Israeli Election Won’t Change

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By: Mairav Zonszein

24 October 2026 at 12:00

Israelis will decide this week if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will remain in office.

Gadi Eisenkot Couldn’t Be More Unlike Netanyahu. Can He Beat Him?

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By: David M. Halbfinger · Natan Odenheimer and Johnatan Reiss

23 October 2026 at 05:01

Mr. Eisenkot, an ex-military chief leading in the polls, calls the Israeli prime minister an “anti-leader.” But his low-key campaigning style is worrying supporters.

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