27 to 21: Likud holds seat lead as Netanyahu bloc trails at 56

Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance is projected to win 56 seats in the Israeli Knesset, seven more than the 49 expected for Gadi Eisenkot’s center-left bloc. The count, which covers more than half of all ballots, places neither group close to the 61 seats required for a majority.

The 2026 legislative election concluded on Tuesday evening. As exit polls emerged and initial tallies were released, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed supporters at Likud headquarters in West Jerusalem. Israeli media channels 12 and 13 projected that Likud would secure 27 individual seats, compared to 21 for Eisenkot’s Yashar party. This gives Likud the largest single party standing in the parliament.

Netanyahu has been leading the Likud party since 2022. During his Tuesday address, he listed military actions taken during his current term as evidence of stability. He stated that his government eliminated Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Hassan Nasrallah, and Ali Khamenei. He also noted the establishment of security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

The Prime Minister described the current moment as a historical opportunity working with U.S. President Donald Trump. He argued that a right-wing government must be formed to ensure long-term security, warning against coalitions with Arab parties that he described as being against Israel's existence.

Analysts question whether the projected seat counts will translate into a workable government. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York, said the party that eventually secures a majority may have to accept an uncomfortable coalition deal. He noted that opposition voters are unlikely to want their bloc to strike a deal with Netanyahu’s camp.

Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst, observed that Netanyahu attempted to project a brave face during the speech. Bishara stated that Netanyahu is trying to show a kind of success he does not merit. He pointed out that while Likud is the largest party, it is at its lowest point since 2009.

Dan Perry, a political analyst, said Netanyahu used the address to spin the situation after the exit polls were released. The Prime Minister told the crowd that the true results are still one or two days away.

The final seat distribution will determine who is tasked with forming a government. Both blocs are currently projected to fall short of a majority, requiring them to seek partners from smaller parties or face a stalemate.