Netanyahu's bloc loses parliamentary majority in Israeli election, but his path to another term stays open

Summary

Benjamin Netanyahu pulled ahead as votes were counted in Israel's election, with turnout at a record high. With nearly 86 per cent of votes tallied, Israel's three main broadcasters projected that his right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox bloc would win 53 of the 120 Knesset seats, well ahead of the 48 for the rival opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot. The loss of a parliamentary majority means his path to another term depends on drawing rivals into a coalition. Reports said most of Israel's Jewish opposition has ruled out governing with Palestinian-led parties.

Timeline

1. Straits Times

   28 Oct 2026, 17:26 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Netanyahu pulled ahead on Wednesday as votes were counted, but the loss of a parliamentary majority leaves his path to another term dependent on drawing rivals into a coalition.

2. South China Morning Post

   28 Oct 2026, 17:39 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that with nearly 86 per cent of votes tallied, Israel's three main broadcasters projected Netanyahu's bloc would win 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, well ahead of the 48 for the rival bloc, despite his bloc losing its parliamentary majority.

3. The Guardian

   28 Oct 2026, 18:54 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Netanyahu's far-right coalition had lost its mandate, and that most of Israel's Jewish opposition ruled out governing with Palestinian-led parties.

4. The Japan Times

   28 Oct 2026, 22:15 UTCSource ↗

   The Japan Times reports that with turnout at a record high, Israeli broadcasters put Netanyahu's bloc on course to win 53 seats in parliament, with the opposition bloc of Gadi Eisenkot on 48.