Uncertainty in Israel
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First vote since October 7 attacks is a tight race between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot – with the future direction of Israel at stake. Follow for live updates.
Polls have closed across the country. Exits polls may offer clues about the direction of the voting but not necessarily a clear winner.
Israel elections 2026 LIVE updates: The revised exit polls reversed an earlier trend that had favoured the opposition, with Israel's Channel 12 now handing 52 seats to the Netanyahu bloc, and 49 to Eisenkot and others.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog decides who to task with forming the next coalition government. Jerusalem – Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is known for his unassuming and mild manner, but all eyes will soon be on him as he decides who to task with forming the next coalition government.
As Israel votes, hard-right nationalism competes with the country’s founding ideals. The outcome could shape Israel’s identity for years.
The Likud-led bloc now holds a substantial lead. It remains short of a majority but Mr Netanyahu has a very real chance of holding on to power. Donald Trump, the US president, certainly thinks so, and was quick to brag of his winning influence. “When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned,” he said in a post on social media.
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Exit polls are in, but it could be weeks or months before the winner of Israel's election is known
Polling stations in Israel will close on Tuesday evening, but it could be weeks before Benjamin Netanyahu or one of his opponents will be declared the next prime minister. It might even require another election.
It's been more than three years since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza and now voters will decide whether Benjamin Netanyahu gets yet another term as prime minister, or whether Israel turns the page.
