Israel Election: Netanyahu Bloc Falls Short of Majority
With 88.6% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc sits at 53 seats — 8 short of the 61 needed — while the opposition has 48 and Arab parties hold 19, creating a parliamentary deadlock.
What we know
Official count shows Netanyahu bloc (Likud, Shas, UTJ, RZP, Otzma) at 53 seats, opposition bloc at 48, Arab-led parties at 19 — an account on X, another account on X. Neither bloc can reach 61 without Arab party support, and the Joint List is offering only outside support — another account on X. Likud accused Arab parties of fraud with no systematic evidence found — another account on X. The Economist concludes Netanyahu 'will not be able to put together a coalition similar to the one that has ruled Israel for the past four years' — another account on X.
How the story developed
With 88.6% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc sits at 53 seats — 8 short of the 61 needed — while the opposition has 48 and Arab parties hold 19, creating a parliamentary deadlock.
With 77–84% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc holds a 54–49 seat lead over the opposition, suggesting a likely government formation win.
By the Global Eye 24 desk, with AI assistance. Updated as the story develops. Spot an error? Write to corrections@globaleye24.com.