Israel Election Absentee Vote Count Begins as Coalition Talks Loom 2026

Israel's election results are still being finalized as the count of absentee ballots gets under way, with coalition talks set to begin once the final tally is confirmed. The absentee ballots, which are cast by people unable to return to their registered polling stations on election day, could play a role in shaping the final seat distribution.

According to Israeli news website Ynet, just over 29,000 of an estimated 500,000 absentee ballots have been counted so far. Among these ballots, Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is leading with 18.5% of the votes counted, followed by the Together alliance of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid with 15.6%, and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party with 14.8%.

What Are Absentee Ballots and Who Casts Them?

Absentee ballots are afforded to individuals who cannot reach their registered polling stations on election day. This includes many soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as well as diplomats stationed abroad, prisoners, and people in hospitals. These votes are typically counted after the initial exit polls and regular ballots, and they can sometimes shift the final results, though experts say this year's tally is unlikely to significantly alter the current seat projections.

The ongoing count is being closely watched by all parties, as every seat matters in the tightly contested Knesset. The final number of absentee ballots could affect the balance of power, but the current projections suggest a continued political deadlock.

Current Seat Projections and Party Standings

Based on the votes counted so far, Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc is projected to receive 48 seats, well short of the 61 needed to form a majority government. Meanwhile, Palestinian-led parties are projected to win 19 seats in total, but many in Eisenkot's bloc have ruled out governing with them.

Yair Golan, the leader of the centre-left Democrats and a junior partner in Eisenkot's bloc, has backed the idea of working with Arab parties, a move that could break the deadlock but remains controversial. The Joint List, which represents a number of Israeli Arab parties, is projected to win 11 seats. Its leader, Yousef Jabareen, told Reuters that his party will seek to use those seats "to facilitate getting rid of Netanyahu's government and hopefully help to change the political situation in Israel."

Coalition Talks Set to Begin

Once the final results are announced, Israel's president will begin consultations with party leaders to determine who has the best chance of forming a coalition. The process could take weeks, and with no clear winner, another round of elections remains a possibility.

Netanyahu's Likud party is leading among the absentee ballots counted so far, but the overall picture remains fragmented. The Together alliance, a merger of Naftali Bennett's Yamina and Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid, is positioning itself as a potential kingmaker, while Eisenkot's bloc struggles to reach the 61-seat threshold.

Key Takeaways from the Absentee Vote Count

• Just over 29,000 absentee ballots have been counted out of an estimated 500,000, according to Ynet.
• Likud leads among absentee ballots with 18.5%, followed by the Together alliance at 15.6% and Yashar at 14.8%.
• Experts say the final absentee tally is unlikely to significantly shift current seat projections.
• Eisenkot's opposition bloc is projected at 48 seats, short of the 61 needed for a majority.
• The Joint List, projected at 11 seats, aims to use its influence to oust Netanyahu's government.

Comparison of Absentee Ballot Results by Party

The table above shows the percentage of absentee votes counted for each party so far and their overall projected seats. Note that the absentee ballot count is ongoing and percentages may change. The background to this story is set out in Business: latest articles. A related thread runs through Israel Election: Netanyahu Survives as Divisions Deepen.

What to Watch Next

As the absentee ballots continue to be tallied, all eyes will be on the final seat distribution and the subsequent coalition negotiations. The possibility of a unity government or another election looms large. The role of Arab parties and the willingness of some Jewish parties to collaborate with them will be crucial in determining the next government. Earlier coverage in Israel Election Exit Polls: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Blocs Tied shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Israel Election Exit Polls: Netanyahu Bloc Tied With Opposition.

For now, the political landscape remains uncertain, and the coming days will reveal whether Israel can break its cycle of deadlock or heads toward yet another round of elections. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Israel's Most Consequential Election: What You Need to Know. The same theme surfaces in Victoria 2026 Election: What Voters Need to Know, which takes a different angle.

FAQ

What are absentee ballots in Israel's election?

Absentee ballots are votes cast by individuals who cannot reach their registered polling stations on election day. This includes soldiers, diplomats, prisoners, and hospital patients. They are counted separately after the main vote.

How many absentee ballots have been counted so far?

According to Ynet, just over 29,000 absentee ballots have been counted out of an estimated 500,000. The count is ongoing.

Will the absentee ballots change the election outcome?

Experts say the final tally of absentee ballots is unlikely to significantly shift the current seat projections, but every vote counts in a tight race.

What happens next in the coalition process?

Once final results are announced, Israel's president will consult party leaders to determine who can form a coalition. With no clear majority, negotiations could be lengthy and another election is possible.

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