Israel vote count: Netanyahu bloc leads but falls short of 61 seats

Official preliminary results of Israel's parliamentary election as of early Wednesday, 28 October 2026, show Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc ahead of its rivals, but still short of a majority of 61 of the Knesset's 120 seats. This report follows DIAR's earlier report on the exit polls.

According to Israel's Central Elections Committee, with 41.9% of ballot boxes counted by 5:58 a.m. local time, the pro-Netanyahu bloc had 57 seats, the bloc opposing him 47, and two Arab lists 16 seats combined. The gap between the two blocs has narrowed as counting progressed: at 25% counted, the split was 63 to 49. Soldiers' votes and other double-envelope ballots are counted later, and the final result will take several days.

Netanyahu: a unique opportunity to remove the Islamic Republic's threat

Speaking to Likud supporters in Jerusalem early on Wednesday, Netanyahu called Likud Israel's largest party and said that Israel, together with Donald Trump, has a historic and unique opportunity to remove the Islamic Republic's threat for good. He said the Islamic Republic is weaker than ever and Israel stronger than ever, and promised to form a right-wing, national government.

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and the opposition's main candidate, called on Netanyahu to step aside and said he would work to form a Zionist government with national service for all. Both men say they will form the next government.

Trump: my endorsement changed the course

Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the tide turned once he announced his support for Netanyahu. After a campaign rally in Texas, he told reporters the endorsement helped Netanyahu a great deal and that he had not yet spoken with him. Before the vote, Trump had urged Israelis to vote for Netanyahu so that, in his words, the unfinished job with the Islamic Republic could be completed.

Exit polls by Israeli networks on Tuesday night showed neither camp with a majority and estimated Likud as the largest party with 25 to 27 seats. If neither bloc reaches 61 seats, Netanyahu stays on as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.

The outcome of Israel's election will decide how far its next government goes along with Trump in military pressure on the Islamic Republic.