Netanyahu Loses Mandate as Israeli Election Results Shift Power 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his mandate in Israel's latest elections, but he has not yet lost power. While final votes are still being tallied, most voters picked his opponents on Tuesday, leaving his bloc below the 61-seat majority needed in the Knesset.

The results signal a significant shift in Israeli politics. Netanyahu's bloc remains the largest but appears to have slumped by around 10 seats, according to projections. Meanwhile, Palestinian Israeli parties surged and are projected to almost double their previous 10 seats.

What the Election Results Mean for Netanyahu

The Israeli election results show a clear rebuke of Netanyahu's leadership. Despite his attempts to position himself as "Mr Security," voters appear to have held him accountable for the security failures ahead of the Hamas atrocities of 7 October 2023.

Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, has persistently attacked democratic institutions, especially the judiciary. He embraced and then indulged the ultra-right as they cheered on brutal settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich lost ground in these polls, but perhaps due to their vision's permeation of mainstream politics more than a revolt against it.

The Rise of Palestinian Israeli Parties

One of the most notable outcomes of this election is the surge of Palestinian Israeli parties. Projected to almost double their seats from 10 to nearly 20, these parties could play a pivotal role in forming the next government.

This shift reflects a changing political landscape in Israel. The increased representation of Palestinian Israeli parties may force other political actors to reconsider their positions and alliances.

Gadi Eisenkot's Dilemma

Netanyahu's main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, a former head of the military, now faces a critical choice. He can either fall into line with Netanyahu's racist fearmongering or work with Arab-led parties to form a coalition.

Eisenkot's decision will have far-reaching implications for Israel's future. If he chooses to work with Arab-led parties, he could potentially unseat Netanyahu and form a more inclusive government. However, this would require significant political maneuvering and compromise.

Netanyahu's Record and the Campaign

Netanyahu's war on Iran has destabilised the region. The tens of thousands of Palestinians killed by his government's genocidal war on Gaza have barely featured in the election campaign, but its cost for Israeli hostages and international support for Israel have been significant.

Despite these issues, Netanyahu's campaign focused on security and fearmongering. His attempts to portray himself as the only leader capable of protecting Israel appear to have fallen flat with a majority of voters. The background to this story is set out in Israel Election Exit Polls: Netanyahu Bloc Tied With Opposition. A related thread runs through Israel Election: Netanyahu Survives as Divisions Deepen. Earlier coverage in Israel Election Live: Polls Open in Most Consequential Vote shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

The coming days and weeks will be crucial as coalition negotiations begin. The final vote tally will determine the exact seat distribution, and the parties will need to decide who they are willing to work with. A closer look at the same subject appears in Israel Election: Can Netanyahu Pull Off Another Political Comeback. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Israel Election: Netanyahu's Political Future Hangs in Balance. The same theme surfaces in Israel Election: Record Turnout as October 7 Legacy Divides Voters, which takes a different angle.

If Netanyahu's opponents can unite, he will lose power. But if they cannot overcome their differences, Netanyahu may yet find a path to remain in office. The world will be watching closely as Israel navigates this political crisis. Context on how this played out before sits in Israel Sets October Election Date After 2023 Hamas Attacks. A companion piece, Gadi Eisenkot: The Unpolished Anti-Bibi Opposition Candidate, approaches the same subject from another angle.

• Netanyahu's bloc appears to have fallen below the 61-seat majority threshold.
• Palestinian Israeli parties are projected to nearly double their seats.
• Gadi Eisenkot faces a choice between aligning with Netanyahu or working with Arab-led parties.
• Netanyahu's security credentials were challenged by the 7 October failures.
• Coalition negotiations will determine the next government.

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