Israel election deadlock: Netanyahu's bloc falls short, new vote likely

Israel's final election results show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition bloc winning 53 parliamentary seats, the opposition bloc 48, and two Arab parties 19, leaving no faction with the 61 seats needed to form a government. Political scientist Zeev Hanin said the coalition lost and the opposition did not win, as neither can form a government without courting Arab parties, which saw record turnout. A minority government is likely but unstable, potentially leading to new elections, similar to the five rounds of voting from 2019-2021. If the opposition forms a transitional government, it could establish a commission investigating the October 7 events and pass a conscription law for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Coalition leader Netanyahu may retain power, though President Trump has recommended a broader coalition excluding radical parties.