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Israeli exit polls: Netanyahu, Eisenkot blocs running close, both shy of majority

Barak Ravid

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casts his ballot, next to his wife Sara, at a polling station in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Photo: Yonatan Sindel/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition is locked in a tight race with opponent Gadi Eisenkot's bloc, but both are below a 61-seat majority, according to Israeli exit polls.

The exit polls show Eisenkot's bloc with 51 to 53 seats, Netanyahu's with 50 to 51, and Arab parties with 17 to 18.

Why it matters: If Eisenkot's bloc ekes out a win, he would have to try to swear in a minority government supported by the two Arab parties. It's unclear whether all of his political partners would agree to do that.

Eisenkot's bloc emerged with a small lead in early exit poll results, but Netanyahu's coalition closed much or all of the gap as the night wore on.

A close outcome could leave Israelis in political limbo as they await official results and potentially a drawn-out fight to form a government.

What they're saying: Eisenkot claimed victory in a speech after midnight Israeli time. He said if Netanyahu was a "decent leader," he would exit the political stage after the public voted for change.

During the speech, Eisenkot alluded to the possibility that the prime minister would launch military action before a new government is seated. "Netanyahu: don't dare use Israel's security for your political needs," Eisenkot said,
He emphasized that the commanders of the Israel Defense Forces and the heads of the security and intelligence services must remember that Netanyahu is now heading a caretaker government.
Eisenkot also said the government he intends to form will be based on three principles: Israel as a Jewish and Democratic state; military and national service for all; and the dismantling of Hamas.

Driving the news: The exit poll results came after voters flocked to polling stations throughout the day, with turnout reaching a three-decade high. It was the culmination of a campaign that each side warned would lead to catastrophe if the other side won.

An Eisenkot-bloc victory would offer Israel a chance to reset its strained relationships abroad and chart a new course domestically. The former IDF chief of staff, however, vowed to maintain a hawkish approach on security matters.

Yes, but: Netanyahu's Likud Party secured more seats than Eisenkot's Yashar Party, per the exit polls.

But because Israel has a parliamentary system, the bloc totals are what ultimately matter.

Go deeper: Israeli turnout hits three-decade high

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Israeli exit polls: Netanyahu, Eisenkot blocs running close, both shy of majority

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