Israel Election Results: Netanyahu Loses Majority as Coalition Talks Begin, Gadi Eisenkot Eyes PM Role

Israel's political landscape shifted dramatically as final election results showed Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition losing its mandate, with the opposition securing a firm majority. As absentee ballots are counted, attention turns to coalition negotiations, where retired general Gadi Eisenkot emerges as a potential prime minister. Experts note that Eisenkot's path to unseating Netanyahu hinges on his willingness to form a government with Palestinian-led parties, a move most Jewish opposition leaders have so far ruled out. Netanyahu's campaign heavily targeted Palestinian citizens, framing them as an internal threat, which deepened divisions and complicated cross-party alliances. The coming days will test whether opposition factions can overcome long-standing taboos to build a stable government, or whether Israel faces another political deadlock. The outcome could redefine the country's approach to its Palestinian minority and regional policy.