Israel Election Results 2026: Live Exit Polls, Seat Count, Netanyahu vs Eisenkot & What Happens Next

Israel voted on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to elect all 120 members of the 26th Knesset. Exit polls and early counts show a very tight race, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc on track to win the 61 seats needed for a majority.

This is a developing story. Exit polls are unofficial and can differ from final results. Check the Central Elections Committee for official numbers.

Israel Election Results: Where Things Stand

• Majority needed: 61 of 120 seats
• Early count: About 28% of votes had been counted when this was written, with Likud projected at about 29 seats
• Channel 14, which NBC News describes as strongly pro-Netanyahu, was the only network to show the Netanyahu bloc near a majority.

Largest Parties in the Exit Polls

According to updated exit polls reported by Axios and CNN:

• Likud (Netanyahu): About 27 seats, the largest party
• Yashar! (Eisenkot): About 21 seats

The first exit polls had shown a narrower Likud lead, with 24 to 25 seats.

How the Night Unfolded

1. 10 p.m.: Polls closed, and the first exit polls showed Eisenkot's bloc with a small lead of two to three seats.
2. Later in the night: Updated exit polls shifted toward Netanyahu, with Channel 12 giving his bloc 52 seats, and Kan 11 and Channel 13 showing a tie.
3. Partial official count: Early results continued to show a close race, and the distribution of seats could still change.

Arab Party Turnout

Arab turnout was described as unprecedented. Axios reported that Arab parties are poised to win 18 to 19 seats, which would be a record. Because neither Jewish-majority bloc reaches 61 without them, the Arab parties could play a major role in what happens next. Haaretz noted that Eisenkot's bloc could theoretically try to form a minority government supported by two Arab parties, but Axios said that scenario looks unlikely.

What Netanyahu and Eisenkot Said

• Netanyahu said the right wing has a "great majority" among Israel's "Zionist public," pointed out that Likud remains the largest party, and urged the formation of a "strong right-wing government."
• Gadi Eisenkot said Israelis voted for change, urged against a second election, and warned against using the war for political gain.

What Happens Next?

1. Final results: The Central Elections Committee counts all ballots, including soldiers' and diplomats' votes, and certifies the official results.
2. Consultations: Israel's president meets with the parties that won seats and hears whom they recommend as prime minister.
3. Mandate: The president gives one lawmaker, usually the leader of the largest bloc, the chance to form a government. They generally have 28 days, which can be extended by 14 days.
4. Coalition talks: A government needs the support of 61 members of the Knesset.
5. Stalemate: If no one can form a coalition, the country could face another election. Until a new government is sworn in, Netanyahu would remain caretaker prime minister, according to Axios.

Background: Why This Election?

• The Knesset dissolved on July 17, 2026, after completing its full four-year term, the first Knesset to do so since 1988.
• The 37th government, led by Netanyahu, was also the first to complete a full term since 1973.
• Pre-election polls had given Eisenkot's bloc a lead of about two to six seats.

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How to Follow the Official Results

• The Central Elections Committee publishes live results on its website after polls close.
• Numbers change as more votes are counted, especially in close races.
• Exit polls can differ by several seats from the final count.

Sources and Live Updates

• NBC News: Exit polls show no clear winner
• Axios: Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs deadlocked
• CNN: Israel election live results
• Haaretz: Live election results
• Ynetnews: Revised exit polls
• Israel Hayom: Exit polls, full results
• Al Jazeera: When will we know who won?
• Wikipedia: 2026 Israeli legislative election
• Central Elections Committee

FAQ

Who won the Israel election? No winner has been declared. Exit polls show neither bloc reaching 61 seats.

How many seats are needed for a majority? 61 of the 120 Knesset seats.

Which party is the largest? Exit polls show Netanyahu's Likud as the largest party, with about 27 seats.

How many seats do the Arab parties have? Exit polls suggest about 17 to 19.

What happens if no one reaches 61? Coalition talks continue, and another election is possible. Netanyahu would stay on as caretaker prime minister.

When will final results be announced? Official results can take days, and coalition talks can take weeks.

Last updated: October 28, 2026. This is a developing story, and numbers may change.