Israel's election results prompt coalition talks as Netanyahu's bloc loses mandate

The Guardian reported that Israel’s final election count is under way, but the tally is unlikely to shift the overall result.

Experts told the outlet that Gadi Eisenkot’s hopes of unseating Benjamin Netanyahu rest on his willingness to work with Palestinian parties.

The newspaper noted that Netanyahu’s far‑right coalition lost its mandate, while the opposition secured a firm majority.

Most of Israel’s Jewish opposition parties have ruled out governing with Palestinian‑led parties, after a campaign in which Netanyahu painted Palestinian citizens as an enemy inside the state.

Coalition talks are set to begin, and the makeup of any new government will depend on whether any bloc is prepared to cooperate across the ethnic divide.

Why it matters

The composition of the next Israeli government will affect the country’s political direction and its relationship with Palestinian citizens.

Key details

Location

Israel · Middle East

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

29 Oct 2026, 10:55 IST

Key names

Israel Analysis, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Jewish, Gadi Eisenkot

Section

Politics

Sources

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

• The GuardianIsrael election results live: count of absentee ballots under way as coalition talks set to begin 29 Oct, 10:55

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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