No clear winner in Israeli election, exit polls suggest, with Netanyahu’s fate uncertain

Israel's Oct. 27, 2026 election produced no clear winner per exit polls. Neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot's secured the 61 seats needed in the 120-seat Knesset. Axios projects Eisenkot's bloc at 52-53 seats, Netanyahu's at 50, and Arab parties at 17-18. Daily Mail cites Channel 12 putting Eisenkot's side at 52 and Arab parties at a record 18. Netanyahu's coalition won 64 seats in 2022. Likud received one to two more seats than Eisenkot's Yashar Party. Axios reported a three-decade-high turnout; Daily Mail reported 74 percent, highest since 1974. Netanyahu voted in Jerusalem next to his wife Sara. Eisenkot met voters in Ofakim as polls opened. Eisenkot said the results "point to an unequivocal lack of confidence in Netanyahu and the government responsible for Oct. 7" and that he will "replace Netanyahu's government, and establish a Zionist government committed to military service, as soon as possible." Daily Mail quoted Nisim Cohen saying Netanyahu is "not responsible for October 7" and Zipporah Bennett citing experience navigating difficult seasons. A man in Kiryat Shmona kicked and tore down an Eisenkot poster. Families of Oct. 7 victims held a moment of silence in Tel Aviv. Itamar Ben Gvir cast his ballot in Kiryat Arba wearing a noose-shaped lapel pin. Official results are expected in coming days, with coalition negotiations ahead.