The Radical Reading Room

Israel's October 27, 2026, parliamentary election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc short of a majority, according to a vote count completed on October 29. The bloc won 53 of the Knesset's 120 seats, the main Jewish-led opposition grouping won 48, and Arab-led parties won 19. A governing majority requires at least 61 seats. The 68-seat figure reported in an earlier version of this article referred to the outgoing coalition's previous strength, not the threshold for a majority. Formal certification was still pending when the count was reported.

Netanyahu's Likud party alleged, without substantiated public evidence, that the election had been stolen through foreign interference. Election officials said allegations of systematic violations were baseless, and Israel's internal security service was asked to examine specific claims. A request for an inquiry does not establish wrongdoing or alter the reported vote totals. Qatar has denied allegations that it sought to influence the election.

Neither of the two main Jewish-led blocs commands enough votes to form a government alone. Arab-led parties could be pivotal, but several Jewish-led parties have objected to relying on their support. President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult the elected factions before choosing a lawmaker to try forming a government. Coalition talks, not the 53-seat total alone, will determine the next government.