Netanyahu Loses Majority as Palestinian Parties Surge in Israel Election

Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power in Israel weakened significantly after Tuesday's election, with projections indicating his right-wing bloc fell short of a parliamentary majority. The vote, marked by the highest turnout in decades, saw a notable surge in support for Palestinian parties, reshaping the political landscape. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, a retired general heading the National Unity party, claimed a 'Zionist majority' but appeared to rule out forming a coalition with Palestinian factions, complicating efforts to build a stable government. Netanyahu's Likud and its allies are projected to secure around 52 seats, while the opposition, including Eisenkot's bloc, is expected to win 57 seats, leaving both short of the 61 needed to govern. The rise of Palestinian parties, particularly the United Arab List and Balad, could give them a kingmaker role, but ideological divisions make a broad coalition unlikely. The outcome raises the prospect of prolonged political deadlock or another election, as Israel faces pressing security and economic challenges. The next steps will determine whether Netanyahu can defy the odds or if a new political era begins.