Uncertainty in Israeli Elections: Netanyahu and Rivals at a Critical Crossroads

The general elections held in Israel shook Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rule, while the uncertainty surrounding the coalition and government-formation processes of the parties dragged the country into a political process that could last weeks.

Following the latest general elections held in Israel, final results are expected to be announced on Thursday evening, while no clear majority winner emerged from the ballot boxes. With 88 percent of the votes counted, Netanyahu's Likud party received 20.7 percent, centrist politician Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party 15 percent, and Arab-focused parties 15 percent. None of the blocks alone reached the 61 majority threshold required to form a government in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. According to local media projections, Likud and its allies could win 53 seats, Yashar and its allies 48, and Arab parties 19 seats.

While voter turnout was reported to have reached 78 percent, the highest level since 1999, Central Election Committee control manager Elad Naveh stated that vote counting will continue until Thursday evening. While the Likud party is expected to remain the largest party and be tasked with forming a government by President Isaac Herzog, it is stated that early elections could be held early next year if the parties fail to reach a consensus.