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Netanyahu and rival both claim victory in closely contested Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main political opponent have each declared victory following Tuesday's parliamentary elections, with initial results pointing to an extremely tight race that could reshape the country's political landscape.

LSN Bangladesh · 31 October 2026

Netanyahu's Likud party and the opposition bloc led by his rival are locked in a close contest for dominance in the Knesset, according to exit polls and early official tallies released following the conclusion of voting. Both camps have claimed mandates to form the next government, setting the stage for intense coalition negotiations in the coming weeks.

The closely divided results reflect deep fractures within Israeli society over key issues including settlement policy, security matters, and judicial reforms. Neither side appears to have secured a commanding lead that would guarantee unchallenged control of government formation, potentially forcing weeks of complex negotiations between various political factions.

Israeli President will hold consultations with party leaders to determine who has the best prospects of assembling a viable coalition government. The process typically involves discussions with multiple parties to forge agreements on policy priorities and ministerial positions before a formal government can be sworn in.

These elections mark a significant moment for Israeli politics, with voters delivering a fragmented parliament that reflects ongoing tensions between Netanyahu's supporters and those seeking alternative leadership. The result underscores the polarization within Israeli politics at a time when the country faces multiple strategic and domestic challenges.