Israel election 2026 – by C.M.A.Nayar

Introduction

Israel has an electoral system with a  single round proportional election . Any list which gets a minimum of 3.25 % of the total valid votes polled will have representation in the Knesset consisting of 120 members. The seats will be allotted  in proportion the percentage of votes polled by each party  . While the Prime Minster is a member of the Knesset elected by the Knesset with simple majority ( several rounds if needed ), Ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister and they normally resign from the Knesset. The person next in line in the list will become a member of the Knesset for replacing the Minister who has resigned . The system of election and the multiplicity of political parties make a coalition Govt necessary  in most of the situations . In almost all the recent elections , there has been a general understanding among political parties before the election for a coalition Govt if successful . However , there have been a lot of difficulties to form the Govt in many cases. After the election results are announced,  the President of Israel invites an elected leader to  present a convincing situation for majority to be proved in the Knesset. President is not obliged to invite the leader of the party  with the largest number of Knesset members . The majority has to be proved within 28 days . President has the powers to give another 14 days more if considered necessary . In the mean time,  President may permit any other member to prove majority if he considers it necessary . If no one is able to prove majority in Knesset , President can cancel the election and order for fresh election allowing  the interim Govt to continue  till the process of the new election is completed and a new Govt takes over .

Results of the  election 2026

Total valid votes : 5690682 ( 77.6 % voter turnout )

Threshold  votes : 184948  ( 3.25 % of valid votes )

Source: https://thestateofisrael.com/election-2026/results

Note 1 : Out of the 8 parties in the present Coalition Govt , three parties could not meet the qualifying requirement . Likud and Shaas lost five seats each in 2026 in comparison to 2022 election . Ultra nationalist party Otzma Yehudit gained one seat . Net loss of 14 seats for the ruling coalition .

Note 2: Several parties in the opposition group in the present Knesset did not contest . Eisenkot’s party is a new party . Three parties in the opposition maintained their seats .

Note 3 : The Arab parties together gained 8 seats ( 6seats by United List  and 2 by Ra’am) .

Formation of New Govt

The results do not show a clear path for Netanyahu or Eisenkot to get majority for forming the new Govt . There will be tremendous pressure from the Israeli President and the US President on both of the for finding a workable solution so as to protect the overall interests of Israel and the region :

• Bring peace in Israel so that the country can undertake a huge economic rehabilitation for taking care of the interests of the entire population ( Jews and Arabs)
• To have a Govt which can deal with Iran effectively for ending the war and to bring about a workable relation with the neighbouring Arab nations .

The different possibilities 

(a) Netanyahu dealing with some of the opposition parties for getting 61 seats . This will be difficult because The parties “ Together “ with 12 seats and Yisrael Beytenu have already announce that they will not work with two ultra right parties in Netanyahu’s coalition . Further , it is understood that President Trump has already told Netanyahu that Ben Gvir of Otzma Yehudit ( present Minister for national security ) and Bezalel Smotrich of Religious Zionist party ( present Finance Minister ) should not be in the new cabinet .

(b) Eisenkot will not be able to work with the two ultra nationalist  parties in the ruling coalition and hence this possibility does not exist .

(c) Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot do not want to take support from the Arab parties and any arrangement with Arab parties may not be possible .

(d) This leaves only one possibility , ie ,to form a Unity Govt with the participation of Likud, Yashar , Together and Yisrael Beytenu . This will give a total of 67 seats . Probably Democrats could also join the Govt .

There are several hurdles for making it happen . Question is –

•     Will Eisenkot agree to be a Minister under Netanyahu ? . Most likely NO . Will they be able to work out a power sharing agreement for half the term for each one with Netanyahu being the first to take over power . Much will depend on both Israeli President and President Trump .
•     Will Netanyahu as new PM be able to reverse several far-right policies for accommodating the new partners ? . It may be possible but quite difficult .
•     Is majority of Jewish population ready to make a compromise for sorting out the Gaza strip problems ? . The answer could be YES . However , will Netanyahu have the determination to change course ? . It has to be seen .
•     The last alternative will be to have a new election . Will it change the situation for having a majority for forming the new Govt . It is not sure .

Conclusion

In conclusion , I would say that the most pragmatic solution will be to have a unity Govt . Will Netanyahu and Eisenkot show the political pragmatism to do so for steering the country to a new direction for having a peaceful coexistence for the Jewish and the Arab population in Israel and in Palestine ?. We have to wait and see.

30 Oct 2026