Exit polls after polls closed in Israel's election showed both Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc and Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc falling short of the 61 seats needed for a majority, with high turnout and Arab parties potentially pivotal.
Israeli television networks released exit polls after polling stations closed at 10 p.m. local time on October 27, showing neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot securing the 61 seats required for a Knesset majority.
Channels 11, 12 and 13 projected Netanyahu's bloc around 50 seats and the opposition (Yashar, B’Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu and the Democrats) at 50-53 seats. Arab parties were projected to win a combined 17-18 seats. Likud was projected as the largest party with 24-25 seats, Yashar with 21-23.
Voter turnout reached its highest level since at least 1973 according to Central Elections Committee records. Exit polls have differed from final results in past elections; official counts will determine the outcome.
The Jerusalem Post, Bloomberg and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency independently reported the same deadlock in exit polls from major channels, with neither bloc reaching a majority. Official results remain pending.
Eisenkot said the initial results indicated a lack of confidence in Netanyahu's government and that he would act to replace it if confirmed. Opposition figures including Yair Lapid and Yair Golan described the projections as a defeat for Netanyahu's camp. Coalition talks or another election remain possible outcomes.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Neutral
- Gadi Eisenkot: The initial exit poll results indicate a complete lack of confidence in Netanyahu.
- Yair Lapid: The Netanyahu bloc has suffered a crushing defeat.
- Yair Golan: The public has spoken. It has fired the Netanyahu government.