--- title: "Israel Elections: Netanyahu's Bloc Leads with 97.3% of Votes Counted, But No Majority in Sight" description: "In Israel, with 97.3% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc leads, but no bloc has secured 61 mandates for a majority. Turnout reached 77.7%, a record since 1999." date: 2026-10-29T13:58:02.382Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/israel-elections-2026-netanyahu-leads-without-majority tags: [israel-elections, knesset, netanyahu, middle-east, polls] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Israel Elections: Netanyahu's Bloc Leads with 97.3% of Votes Counted, But No Majority in Sight ![Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looking thoughtful while listening to speakers at a press conference](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/29/izraile-vybory-2026-netanyahu-lider-bez-bolsinstva/izraile-vybory-2026-netanyahu-lider-bez-bolsinstva-1.webp) ## Key Points - According to data on 97.3% of processed ballots, Netanyahu's supporters lead, but neither bloc has secured 61 mandates for a majority. - Initial exit polls gave a slight advantage to the opposition, but updated results show Netanyahu's bloc could tie with opponents or lead by two mandates. - Turnout in the October 27 elections reached 77.7%, the highest since 1999. - Final results may shift after counting votes from military personnel and diplomats. Following the processing of 97.3% of ballots in Israel's parliamentary elections, the bloc of parties supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the lead. However, neither political block has secured enough mandates to independently form a government, RBC-Ukraine reports citing The Times of Israel. ### Counting Results and the Majority Threshold Forming a government in the Knesset requires at least 61 mandates, representing an absolute majority. As of 97.3% of processed votes, neither the coalition nor the opposition camp has reached this threshold, meaning they must seek allies and negotiate coalition formation. The final distribution of seats among the factions at the time of publication is not yet fixed and may be adjusted as the remaining votes are counted. ### From Exit Polls to Final Count The trajectory of the results turned out to be non-linear. The initial exit polls published immediately after polling stations closed on October 27 indicated a slight advantage for the opposition. However, as ballots were processed, the picture changed: updated data shows that Netanyahu's party bloc is capable of either tying with opponents or pulling ahead by two mandates. Thus, the question of the leader remains open until the complete vote count. ### Record Turnout Voter participation deserves special attention: turnout in the elections reached 77.7%, the highest figure since 1999. Such activity indicates high political mobilization in society and shows that voters view the outcome of the vote as fundamentally important. ### What's Next Final results may change after counting the remaining ballots, including votes from military personnel and diplomats stationed abroad. These very votes often determine the final alignment when the margin between blocs is minimal. Following the official announcement of results, the process of consultations to form a new government will begin. ### Regional Significance The outcome of the elections and the composition of the future government directly affect Israel's foreign policy and the situation in the Middle East. More details on how the voting results may impact the regional context can be found in a separate RBC-Ukraine report. ## Accounts differ ### Bloc Leadership and Final Mandate Distribution - **Initial exit polls (immediately after polls closed):** A slight advantage for the opposition ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/izrayili-pidrahuvali-ponad-97-golosiv-zhoden-1793281297.html)) - **Updated counting data (97.3% of ballots):** Netanyahu's party bloc may tie with opponents or pull ahead by two mandates ([rbc.ua](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/izrayili-pidrahuvali-ponad-97-golosiv-zhoden-1793281297.html)) *Where they agree:* Neither bloc has secured the 61 mandates required to form a majority ## Fact-Check & Sources - [В Израиле подсчитали более 97% голосов: ни один из блоков не получает большинства](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/izrayili-pidrahuvali-ponad-97-golosiv-zhoden-1793281297.html) - Confirmed: 97.3% processed, Netanyahu's bloc leads, majority threshold of 61 mandates not reached by any bloc, turnout 77.7% (record since 1999), elections on October 27, shift from exit polls in favor of Netanyahu's bloc (up to two mandates). Specific seat distribution is not provided in the base. ## FAQ ### How many votes have been counted in the Israeli elections? As of publication, 97.3% of ballots have been processed. Final results may change after counting remaining votes, including those from military personnel and diplomats. ### Has any bloc secured a majority to form a government? No. Forming a government requires at least 61 mandates, and neither block reached this threshold after 97.3% of votes were counted. ### What was the voter turnout? Turnout was 77.7%, the highest figure recorded since 1999.