by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party remained Israel’s largest political party Wednesday as votes continued to be counted in the country’s closely contested national election, but neither Netanyahu nor his political opponents had secured a clear path to a governing majority.

With 2,132,650 votes counted, preliminary results showed Likud leading with 21.70% of the vote, followed by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party at 15.72%. The figures translated into approximately 29 seats for Likud and 20 for Yashar in Israel’s 120-member Knesset.

The results followed Tuesday night’s exit polls, which suggested a political deadlock. Updated projections from Israel’s major television networks placed Netanyahu’s bloc at approximately 50–51 seats, the opposition at 51–52, and Arab-led parties at roughly 18 seats.

Coalition Negotiations Could Determine Israel’s Next Government

Under Israel’s parliamentary system, a governing coalition must command at least 61 seats. Although Likud maintained its position as the largest individual party, Netanyahu’s ability to remain prime minister will depend on securing enough parliamentary support to form a government.

The Arab-led parties could become an important factor in the coalition arithmetic, although Netanyahu has ruled out forming a government dependent on their support.

Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest since 1999, reflecting strong public engagement in an election shaped by national security, military service, and competing visions for Israel’s political future.

With additional ballots still being counted and the distribution of parliamentary seats subject to change, Israel could face extended coalition negotiations before its next government takes shape.

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