Israel election remains undecided as exit polls show narrow lead for opposition bloc

The Guardian reported that Israel's election on Tuesday night was too close to call, with early indications suggesting a prolonged period before the composition of the new government and its leader become clear. Voter turnout was described as historic, and the election was called by some the most consequential in the country's history, featuring a record level of participation by Israeli Arab voters.

Exit polls released on Tuesday evening, according to the outlet, suggested that the opposition bloc of parties headed by former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot would win the most seats in the Knesset by a slight margin. The poll placed Eisenkot's bloc ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right‑wing and far‑right coalition, even though Netanyahu's Likud party emerged as the largest single party.

The close results mean coalition talks are expected to be complex and time‑consuming, leaving the final shape of Israel's next government uncertain.

Why it matters

The uncertainty over which bloc will form a governing coalition will determine Israel's leadership and policy direction in the coming term.

Key details

Location

Israel · Middle East

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

28 Oct 2026, 02:26 IST

Key names

Israel Defense Forces, Netanyahu, Israeli Arab, Gadi Eisenkot

Section

Politics

Sources

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

• The GuardianIsrael election too close to call as exit polls give Netanyahu bloc slightly fewer seats 28 Oct, 02:26

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

Spotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced