Israel Election 2021: Exit Polls Show Gadi Eisenkot Bloc Slightly Ahead of Netanyahu Coalition

Israel's election remained too close to call on Tuesday night, with exit polls suggesting the opposition bloc led by former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot may edge out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing and far-right coalition. Despite Netanyahu's Likud party emerging as the largest single party, the broader bloc supporting him appeared to fall short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The election saw historic turnout, including record participation by Israeli Arab voters, underscoring its significance as one of the most consequential in the country's history. The final outcome will determine whether Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, can form a government or if a coalition of opposition parties will take power. With results still preliminary, coalition negotiations could take weeks, and the possibility of a fifth election in two years remains if no bloc secures a governing majority. The high Arab voter turnout may prove decisive, potentially reshaping Israel's political landscape.