# Israel Election: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Tied, Outcome Unclear

> Israel’s election results show Netanyahu and Eisenkot’s blocs tied, with no clear winner as Arab parties could shape next government.
- Title: Israel Election: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Tied, Outcome Unclear
- Summary: Israel’s election results show Netanyahu and Eisenkot’s blocs tied, with no clear winner as Arab parties could shape next government.
- Keywords: israel, election, benjamin netanyahu, gadi einsoot, arab parties, knesset, parliament, coalition government, exit polls, voting, The New York Times
- Source: The New York Times — https://nytimes.com/live/2026/10/27/world/israel-elections
- Published: 2026-10-27T05:00:57+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: israel, election, benjamin netanyahu, gadi einsoot, arab parties, knesset, parliament, coalition government, exit polls, voting, news, world
## Israel’s Largest Election in a Generation
Israelis voted in record numbers on Tuesday, the largest turnout since 1999.
## Netanyahu and Eisenkot’s Blocs Tied
Exit polls show Netanyahu’s bloc and Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition alliance tied for the most seats.
## Arab Parties Could Win 17-18 Seats
Two Arab parties may win up to 17 or 18 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, their strongest showing ever.
## Netanyahu Rules Out Arab Parties in Coalition
Netanyahu effectively ruled out including Arab parties in a governing coalition, and Eisenkot balked at the idea.
## Eisenkot’s Victory Speech
Eisenkot declared, 'Tonight we got the answer: The public wants change.'

> Tonight we got the answer: The public wants change
## Netanyahu’s Triumphant Address
Netanyahu mocked pre-election polls showing his party trailing Eisenkot’s bloc and declared, 'We must form a strong right-wing government.'
## Arab Parties’ Strong Showing
Arab parties won historically high seats, with voters frustrated by Netanyahu’s policies on housing and violence in Arab communities.
## Eisenkot’s Warning to Netanyahu
Eisenkot told Netanyahu, 'Don’t dare use Israel’s security for your political needs.'

> Netanyahu, don’t dare use Israel’s security for your political needs
## Special Polling Stations
Hundreds of thousands of votes were cast at special polling stations, including military bases and prisons.
## Arab Turnout Fueled by Frustration
Arab voters expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s government, leading to record turnout in Arab communities.
## Netanyahu’s Economic Warning
Netanyahu warned of financial isolation and proposed a 'bypass economy' using cryptocurrency.
## Eisenkot’s Critique of Crypto
Eisenkot called Netanyahu’s 'Bibi-coin vision' a threat to Israel’s economy, saying it would 'dismantle the Israeli economy for generations.'

> Bibi-coin vision
## Election Outcome Unclear
Official results are expected to take days, with no clear winner as both blocs need Arab parties to form a government.
## Arab Parties’ Historical Impact
Arab parties could become kingmakers, but building a coalition with Arab participation remains fraught in Israel.
## Netanyahu’s Longevity in Power
Netanyahu has served 19 years in office, becoming Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.
## Next Steps for Government
Israel’s president will invite the party leader with the best chance to form a coalition, but no party has a clear majority.
## Key takeaway

Israel’s largest election in a generation shows Netanyahu’s bloc and Eisenkot’s opposition tied, with Arab parties potentially forming a pivotal government coalition.