Full Breakdown
Israel’s October 27 Election Leaves Netanyahu’s Likud Short of Majority
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Election Outcome and Seat Distribution
Israel’s parliamentary election on October 27 produced a fragmented Knesset in which no bloc achieved a governing majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-religious coalition secured 53 seats, eight fewer than the 61 required for a majority. The Likud party itself won 26 seats, down from 32 in the previous election. Its far-right allies—Otzma Yehudit led by Ithamar Ben-Gvir (7 seats) and Religious Zionism headed by Bezalel Smotrich (6 seats)—together hold 13 seats, a slight decline from the 14 they held previously. The coalition’s remaining seats come from the religious parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, each with seven seats.
02
Background: Netanyahu’s Tenure and Recent Conflicts
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has overseen the war on Gaza, two Iranian attacks on Israeli territory, and has repeatedly pledged not to make concessions to the Palestinians. These high-profile security actions have shaped public perception of his leadership ahead of the vote.
03
Political Landscape and Coalition Challenges
The opposition, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, framed the election as a referendum on Netanyahu’s rule. With three distinct blocs now occupying the Knesset and none able to command a majority alone, coalition negotiations will be essential. The modest loss of seats by Likud’s far-right partners and the steady presence of the religious parties suggest that any governing alliance will need to balance hard-line nationalist elements with more moderate religious factions.
04
Implications for Governance
The inability of Netanyahu’s bloc to reach the 61-seat threshold means that Israel faces a period of political uncertainty while parties negotiate a viable coalition. The reduced strength of Likud and its allies may limit Netanyahu’s leverage in forming a government, potentially opening space for the opposition’s agenda under Eisenkot’s leadership. The final composition of the coalition will determine the direction of Israel’s domestic policies and its approach to regional security challenges.