Netanyahu's Likud wins most votes but falls short of majority in Israeli election

Israel's legislative election ended with fragmented results that complicate the formation of a new government. According to exit polls, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party emerged as the most voted formation, but his coalition bloc fell far short of the seats needed to govern alone in the 120-member parliament.

The Jewish opposition bloc secured more seats than Netanyahu's coalition, though it too failed to reach the required majority. Arab parties achieved a result that positions them as key actors in negotiations to form the next government, with between 17 and 18 deputies according to polls.

Turnout was notable, reaching 77.7 per cent among Arab voters, a result sources consider historic. The count could extend into Friday due to high polling station traffic, and Likud requested extended voting hours.

Gadi Eisenkot, the opposition leader, committed to building a government that represents all Israeli citizens equally. Eisenkot said he would do everything possible to form a Zionist and stable government, after Israelis voted, in his words, against Netanyahu's continued premiership.

Fragmentation of the electoral landscape across a dozen parties meant no bloc reached a majority independently. This opens the possibility that either main bloc will require Arab party support to form a government, or that the country faces a new election.

Likud's result as the most voted party was considered surprising by some sources, given that previous surveys indicated the Yashar! formation would occupy first place. Formation of a new government is expected to be complicated by the need to negotiate with multiple political actors.