Israel is holding a general election for the first time since it was attacked by Hamas in 2023. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Esenkort are on equal footing, and the prospects for forming a cabinet will be full of challenges. According to two exit polls released after the vote ended on Tuesday evening local time, both the right-wing coalition led by Netanyahu and the Esencott faction are expected to win 51 of the 120 seats in the Knesset. The third export poll showed that Netanyahu was slightly ahead. Previously, the poll showed that Esenkort had the lead. This means that neither side has reached the majority of seats required to become the next prime minister. Without a second vote, it will be difficult for both sides to form a ruling coalition. The counting of votes is ongoing, and the final results may change. The Likud bloc led by Netanyahu is expected to become the largest party in the parliament, while the Integrity Party led by Esenkort is ranked second. Export polls show that the two Israeli and Arab political parties that are likely to be key players in forming a cabinet are expected to win 18 seats, which is higher than expected. Both parties said they would support Esencott to a certain extent.

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