Brief

Netanyahu's Likud loses seats but remains largest party after Israeli vote

Exit polls show Netanyahu's bloc fell to about 50 seats, far short of the 61 needed for a Knesset majority.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:44:08 GMT

Israelis voted on Oct. 27, 2026 in a tightly watched election that saw Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party drop to roughly 27 seats, down from 32 in the previous Knesset, while opposition parties collectively secured about 50 seats, according to exit polls reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

What happened

Exit polls conducted by Israeli television networks indicated that Netanyahu’s coalition fell from 64 seats in the 2022 election to about 50 seats, well below the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120‑member Knesset. The Likud party remained the single largest bloc with an estimated 27 seats. Arab parties, which previously held 10 seats, surged to roughly 18 seats, becoming the biggest gainers. The remaining seats were split among a mix of centrist, left‑wing and right‑wing parties, all of which expressed a desire to see Netanyahu removed from office.

What the reports add

The article notes that the high Arab voter turnout was unexpected, describing it as a "voter turnout machine" for Arab Israelis angry over rising crime and unsolved murders. It also mentions that former security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, despite overseeing the police and prison system, inadvertently boosted Arab turnout. While the Likud still led, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s new Yashar party was projected to challenge Netanyahu’s claim to form a government, though it fell short of winning the most seats.

What was said

The piece quotes an unnamed source saying the results are a "no confidence" vote in Netanyahu, though it stops short of calling it an endorsement of any opposition leader. It also references a comment that Netanyahu will try to “squeeze” the psychological boost of remaining the largest party to stay in power.

How it came about

Earlier coverage by Felo News highlighted a poll suggesting Netanyahu’s bloc could lose its majority (Poll suggests Netanyahu's far‑right bloc could lose its majority) and detailed his campaign focus on security and a Trump endorsement (Netanyahu campaigns for survival). The current exit‑poll figures confirm the poll’s projection of a fragmented Knesset and a likely coalition battle.

Key facts

Netanyahu's Likud party won about 27 seats, down from 32 in the previous Knesset. (smh.com.au)
Exit polls show Netanyahu's coalition holds roughly 50 seats, below the 61 needed for a majority. (smh.com.au)
Arab parties increased their representation from 10 to about 18 seats. (smh.com.au)
The election was held on 27 October 2026 for all 120 Knesset seats. (smh.com.au)