Israel entered a period of political uncertainty after its October 27 parliamentary election produced no clear governing bloc. With 85% of ballots counted, interim figures gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alliance 53 seats, Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition camp 48 and Arab parties 19 in the 120-member Knesset.

Radio Svoboda reports the preliminary tally on Wednesday, October 28. The figures remained subject to change as election officials continued counting votes.

Netanyahu’s coalition lost the majority it held after the 2022 election, but Eisenkot’s allies also remained short of the 61 seats required to govern. The strong result for Arab parties complicated the arithmetic because several opposition partners reject relying on their support, while the Arab factions themselves differ over possible cooperation.

Options under discussion included a broad unity cabinet, an Eisenkot-led minority government supported from outside by Arab lawmakers, or another election. Israel’s president is expected to consult the parliamentary groups before assigning a candidate 28 days to try to assemble a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.