Netanyahu Officially Loses Parliamentary Majority as Israel Confirms Election Results

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially lost his parliamentary majority after election authorities confirmed the final results of the country’s October 27, 2026 general election.

The results leave Netanyahu’s governing bloc with 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. The confirmation marks a major setback for the prime minister as opposition parties explore ways to form a new government.

According to the final results published by Israel’s Central Elections Committee, Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats.

Arab-led parties, including the Joint List and Ra’am, secured a combined 19 seats, giving them an important position in negotiations over the formation of the next government. Neither of the two main political blocs secured the 61 seats needed to govern independently.

The confirmation followed allegations by Netanyahu and some of his political allies that irregularities and foreign interference had affected the election.

However, Israel’s Central Elections Committee said its review of 9,069 polling stations found no evidence of irregularities that compromised the election’s integrity or changed the outcome.

The final results were subsequently presented to President Isaac Herzog on November 4, clearing the way for consultations with political parties over who should be given the opportunity to form the next government.

Despite losing his parliamentary majority, Netanyahu has not automatically been removed from office. He remains prime minister in a caretaker capacity while negotiations over a new government continue.

President Herzog is expected to consult party representatives before choosing a candidate to attempt to form a governing coalition.

Eisenkot’s opposition bloc could potentially secure a majority with support from Arab-led parties, although political and ideological differences could complicate negotiations. If no candidate succeeds in forming a government, Israel could face another election early next year.

The election outcome places Netanyahu’s political future in uncertainty, with the coming coalition negotiations likely to determine whether he remains in power or is replaced by a new government.