Israeli election polls show deadlock one week before vote

One week before the Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, recent polling data indicates a persistent deadlock. A survey published by the news outlet Walla shows the Yashar party, led by Gadi Eizenkot, holding 23 seats against 19 for Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud. The B’Yachad party, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, follows with 14 seats, while the Democrats secure 9.

Despite these shifts, neither the opposition nor the incumbent coalition is projected to reach the required 61-seat threshold in the 120-seat Knesset. The opposition, excluding Arab parties and the Reservists' Party, holds 54 seats, or 58 if the Reservists are included. Gadi Eizenkot has publicly stated his refusal to serve in a government led by Netanyahu, ruling out any rotation agreement. However, he stopped short of fully dismissing the possibility of a national unity government where he would serve as prime minister.

With no clear majority in sight, analysts anticipate complex negotiations following the election. The political landscape remains fluid, as both major camps are currently polling in the range of 50 to 52 seats, leaving the potential for a prolonged post-election stalemate.