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SKIP Current time in Jerusalem8:10 a. m. Oct. 28 Latest Pinned Updated Oct. 28, 2026, a. m. ET Isabel KershnerJohnatan Reiss and Qasim Nauman Israelis were bracing on Wednesday for what could be weeks of political gridlock after exit polls showed no clear winner in a national election that many have described as a make-or-break moment for the country. Turnout in Tuesday’s election, widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government, was the highest in a generation. Exit polls — which have a spotty record in Israel — suggested that Mr. Netanyahu’s alliance was roughly even with a bloc of opposition parties led , with neither side positioned to form a government. That uncertainty did not stop the leading candidates from making triumphant late-night speeches to their supporters. Eisenkot, a former head of the Israeli military, struck a defiant tone toward Mr. Netanyahu, saying: “Tonight we got the answer: The public opted for change.” A few hours later, Mr. Netanyahu told supporters that his party, Likud, had emerged as the largest in Israel. “We must form a strong right-wing government,” he said. Most of the votes were expected to be counted by Wednesday, though the final tally could take days. Lengthy negotiations could follow as political parties try to assemble a governing majority. Both blocs may need the support of two Arab parties that, in a surprise showing, were projected to win as many as 19 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. Netanyahu has effectively ruled out including them in his coalition. Eisenkot and his partners have also balked at the prospect. Some analysts are considering whether Mr. Eisenkot or other opposition members to form a unity government. But that would face serious challenges, including agreement on who would serve as prime minister. A governing coalition would usually need at least 61 lawmakers, though Mr. Eisenkot has floated the idea of forming a minority government. Another possible outcome, analysts said, would be a do-over election. Here’s what else we are covering: Herzog’s role: President Isaac Herzog of Israel holds a largely ceremonial position, except after national elections, when it falls to him to select a potential prime minister. He is expected to face a difficult decision this time around. › More votes: The exit polls do not reflect the hundreds of thousands of votes cast at special polling stations, including at military bases, hospitals, prisons and embassies. In Israel’s 2022 election, those votes tended to favor Mr.