Israel Election Results Live: Exit Polls Show Dead Heat Between Netanyahu and Eisenkot Blocs, Both Short of Majority

Exit polls from Israel's election suggest a tight race between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc and the opposition led by Benny Eisenkot, with neither side reaching the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The results indicate a surge in support for Palestinian parties, which could redraw Israel's political landscape and complicate coalition negotiations. A record number of voters cast ballots at special polling stations, including soldiers, diplomats, prisoners, and hospital patients, with those votes not expected to be counted until Thursday, adding further uncertainty to the final outcome. The deadlock raises the prospect of prolonged political instability or an unprecedented coalition arrangement. Israel now faces days of waiting as the full results could shift the balance of power.