US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political standing amid a tight election race in Israel. As partial results continue to roll in, Trump suggested that his endorsement has bolstered Netanyahu’s prospects, turning what he described as initially unfavorable odds into a competitive contest.
With around 93% of the votes counted, Netanyahu’s bloc is projected to secure 53 seats in the Knesset, while the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is anticipated to gain 48 seats. Arab parties are expected to win 19 seats. However, no group is likely to reach the 61-seat threshold required for a majority, leaving the formation of a stable government uncertain.
Approximately 500,000 ballots remain uncounted, including those from soldiers, diplomats, prisoners, and other eligible voters away from their designated polling areas. These outstanding votes could potentially alter the seat distribution, but the overall picture suggests a challenging path ahead for coalition formation.
Trump’s support for Netanyahu was vocal, urging Israeli voters to back the prime minister in the election. Following the vote, Trump claimed his endorsement was pivotal in narrowing the race, suggesting that a victory for Netanyahu remains within reach.
As the election results unfold, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult political parties to determine who will be tasked with forming the next government. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot face hurdles in securing the necessary parliamentary support for their respective coalition strategies, with Netanyahu aiming for a right-wing coalition and Eisenkot exploring potential collaborations with Arab parties.
If neither side manages to form a government, Israel could face the prospect of another election as soon as April. In the interim, Netanyahu might continue as caretaker prime minister while political negotiations proceed.