Brief

Netanyahu leads Israeli vote as rivals consider Arab party coalition

With 92% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's Likud bloc is set to win 53 seats, prompting opposition leaders to consider alliances with Arab parties.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:30:22 GMT

Benjamin Netanyahu has pulled ahead in Israel's national election, with nearly 92% of ballots counted, according to the Independent. The Likud party and its right‑wing allies are projected to secure 53 seats in the 120‑member Knesset, outpacing the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, which is forecast to win about 48 seats.

What happened

Vote counting began on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, and by Wednesday, 28 October, the Independent reported that the tally showed a clear lead for Netanyahu. Arab‑Israeli parties are expected to win an unprecedented 19 seats, reflecting high turnout after the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent regional conflicts. Final results will still include roughly half a million absentee ballots from military personnel and diplomats.

What the reports add

The Independent noted that the European Union praised Israel’s "vibrant democracy" and the near‑78% voter turnout, the highest since 1999. President Isaac Herzog urged parties to avoid a repeat election, saying they must come with an "open mind" during consultations after official results are released next week.

What was said

Netanyahu warned that a government including Arab‑led parties would be "dangerous" and called any such partnership "treasonous," as reported by the Independent. Eisenkot, however, said he would consider working with Arab parties if they recognize Israel as a Jewish state and label Hamas as extremist. President Herzog told a gathering at his Jerusalem residence, "We must do everything we can, certainly after yesterday, to avoid another round of elections. So I expect everyone who comes here to come with an open mind."

How it came about

Earlier coverage by Felo News detailed the election’s tight race, noting that Netanyahu’s bloc fell short of a majority in exit polls and that Arab parties could become kingmakers. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to lift bans on Arab parties and the ongoing debate over coalition possibilities set the stage for the current negotiations.

Key facts

Nearly 92% of ballots have been counted, showing Netanyahu's bloc ahead. (independent.co.uk)
Netanyahu's Likud and allies are projected to win 53 Knesset seats. (independent.co.uk)
Arab parties are expected to secure about 19 of the 120 seats. (independent.co.uk)
President Isaac Herzog urged parties to avoid another election and to keep an open mind. (independent.co.uk)
The EU praised Israel’s high voter turnout, nearly 78%, the highest since 1999. (independent.co.uk)