Palestinian President hopes for peace talks as Israeli election leaves neither bloc with a majority

Summary

With almost all ballots counted in Israel's pivotal election, neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot appeared able to secure a majority in parliament. Against that backdrop, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he hopes for peace talks with the new Israeli government. Speaking in Nicosia during a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Abbas said Palestinians have long extended a hand to Israel to achieve peace, and he hoped that dialogue could begin immediately after a new Israeli government is formed.

Timeline

1. The Hindu

   29 Oct 2026, 14:35 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that the Palestinian President says he hopes for peace talks with Israel's new government, as almost all ballots from Israel's election are counted and neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot appears able to secure a majority in parliament.

2. Middle East Eye

   29 Oct 2026, 15:32 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, during a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, that he hoped the election of a new Israeli government would allow the resumption of peace talks.