Tel Aviv: Israel is facing renewed political uncertainty following its 2026 parliamentary elections, with no political bloc securing the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The results have dealt a significant blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim of political dominance, exposing deep divisions within Israeli society.
Netanyahu’s Likud Party emerged as the largest single party with 27 seats. However, its right-wing coalition, including allied parties, secured only 53 seats, falling eight short of a majority. The main opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties recorded a historic performance with 19 seats.
The outcome is expected to trigger prolonged negotiations and political bargaining as rival groups explore possible coalition arrangements. Arab citizens account for approximately 21 per cent of Israel’s population, making their electoral participation particularly significant.
Several factors are believed to have contributed to the setback for Netanyahu. These include corruption allegations against him and criticism over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Opposition leaders and sections of Israeli society have repeatedly demanded an investigation into the security failures preceding the attacks, an issue that has continued to generate public dissatisfaction.
Israel’s prolonged military engagements in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have also reportedly contributed to voter fatigue. Despite Netanyahu’s efforts to highlight military achievements, many Israelis remain concerned about the continuing uncertainty, the failure to secure the return of hostages and the economic consequences of the conflicts.
His coalition’s association with far-right and religious hardline groups also became a contentious electoral issue. Policies concerning the occupied West Bank and exemptions from compulsory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men reportedly alienated sections of the electorate, particularly those who believe that military responsibilities should be shared equally.
Netanyahu’s confrontational campaign rhetoric against Arab voters appears to have had an unintended effect. His accusations that Arab citizens could influence or manipulate the electoral outcome reportedly encouraged greater mobilisation among Arab voters, many of whom turned out to oppose his coalition.
Senior left-wing Democratic leader Yair Golan has urged opposition parties to work with Arab-led political groups, arguing that Israel should reject what he described as Netanyahu’s divisive approach to Jewish and Arab voters.
The election has raised several questions about the country’s political future. It remains uncertain whether Netanyahu will abandon his traditional religious allies to seek support from right-wing opposition figures, or whether his long-standing opponents will agree to join a government under his leadership. The possibility of opposition parties cooperating with Arab groups to keep Netanyahu out of power also remains a key issue.
Although Likud retained its position as Israel’s largest party, the failure of Netanyahu’s coalition to secure a majority has challenged his long-standing image as an unbeatable political leader. The results suggest that voters opposed to his polarising politics have become increasingly organised, significantly weakening his grip on power.
The election has therefore marked an important moment in Israeli politics, demonstrating that Netanyahu’s political dominance can no longer be taken for granted.
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