Live: Israeli elections are coming to a close, with no majority to be seen

Issued on: 29/10/2026 - 04:36Modified: 29/10/2026 - 04:37 Ultra-Orthodox Jewish voters cast their ballots at a polling station in Bnei Brak during Israel's parliamentary elections on October 26, 2026. © Paulina Patimer, Sipa With more than 90% of the ballots counted on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc has gained 53 seats, with the opposition at 67, including 48 for Gadi Eisenkot's centrist bloc and 19 for the Arab-majority parties. The Israeli president called on the parties on Wednesday to "do everything" to form a government coalition and avoid a return to the polls. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates. Yesterday's key developments: • No clear winner emerged in Israel's presidential election, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc went head to head against centrist rival Gadi Eisenkot. • Netanyahu's Likud party issued a statement accusing Arab parties of having stolen the country's election, after a deadlocked result showed they could play a kingmaker role in forming a new government. • Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said the Iran-backed Lebanese movement was not concerned with the results of Israel's election, vowing to continue its "resistance" against the neighbouring country no matter who wins. (FRANCE 24 with Reuters, AP and AFP)