Exit polls show Israel election dead‑heat as both blocs fall short of majority

The Guardian reported that early exit polls from Israel's election indicated a near tie between the blocs led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot. The outlet said the vote was too close to call, with the Netanyahu bloc projected to hold slightly fewer seats than Eisenkot’s.

According to the same source, neither bloc reached the 61 seats required to form a government, and support for Palestinian parties in the Knesset has risen. The Guardian’s analysis warned that this surge could redraw Israel’s political landscape.

The newspaper noted that Netanyahu addressed supporters at a Jerusalem convention centre after 3 a.m., greeting them briefly and refraining from claiming victory. He called for a “strong government of the right” and urged the “Jewish and Zionist majority must unite”.

The close result leaves the composition of any future coalition uncertain as both sides seek partners to reach a governing majority.

Why it matters

The tie means Israel will need coalition talks to form a government, and the growing presence of Palestinian parties may shift the country's political direction.

Key details

Location

Israel · Middle East

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

28 Oct 2026, 10:06 IST

Key names

Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, Eisenkot

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianIsrael election results live: exit polls point to tie between Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs 28 Oct, 10:06

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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