US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s standing following the closely contested Israeli election, pointing to partial results as evidence of Netanyahu’s strong position. Trump suggested that his endorsement played a pivotal role in boosting Netanyahu’s electoral prospects after receiving initial reports of potential defeat.
With about 93% of the votes tallied, projections indicated Netanyahu’s political bloc could secure 53 seats, while the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot was expected to win 48 seats. Arab parties were anticipated to gain 19 seats. However, neither bloc appeared poised to achieve the 61-seat majority necessary for forming a government.
Approximately 500,000 ballots, including those from soldiers, diplomats, prisoners, and voters outside their designated polling locations, remained uncounted. These votes could potentially alter the final seat distribution, thereby influencing coalition possibilities, though the establishment of a stable government remained uncertain.
Trump, who had publicly backed Netanyahu before the election, claimed that his support turned the election into a competitive race, maintaining the possibility of a Netanyahu victory. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to consult with political parties to assign the mandate for forming the next government, urging leaders to avoid the prospect of another election.
Netanyahu is likely to pursue a right-wing coalition, while Eisenkot might consider alliances, possibly including Arab parties. However, both options could encounter challenges in securing sufficient parliamentary backing.
Should neither side manage to form a government, Israel might face another election as early as April, with Netanyahu potentially remaining as caretaker prime minister amid ongoing political negotiations.