Israeli election results show no clear winner as Netanyahu and opposition split seats

Exit polls from Israel's recent election suggest no party bloc has won a majority, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc projected to secure 50 seats and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc expected to win 52 or 53 seats, according to Al Jazeera English and PBS NewsHour World.

The election saw a high voter turnout of 74.3 percent, higher than the 70.63 percent turnout in 2022, as reported by Al Jazeera English and PBS NewsHour World, reflecting the election's importance as the first since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

Arab parties are projected to collectively win between 17 and 18 seats, which could be pivotal in forming a government, although both major blocs have so far refused to partner with them, according to PBS NewsHour World.

The official election results are scheduled to be published on November 4, more than a week after the vote, with preliminary results expected earlier in the week, as stated by Al Jazeera English.

The election is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership during wartime and amidst ongoing conflicts, with commentary from various media outlets highlighting the stakes for Israel and its neighbors, including concerns about policies affecting Palestinians and regional stability, as noted by France 24 English.