Israel holds elections amid political deadlock and foreign interference probe

Israel’s parliamentary elections concluded on October 27, 2026, resulting in a fragmented political landscape with no clear majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot obtained 48 seats. Arab parties achieved a record performance, securing 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset. With 61 seats required for a majority, both sides face challenging negotiations to form a government.

Simultaneously, the Shin Bet security service, now assisted by the Mossad, is investigating allegations of illegal foreign funding from Qatar and Turkey aimed at boosting Arab voter turnout. Initiated by Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg, the probe follows accusations from Netanyahu’s Likud party that the elections were compromised. Both the Israeli police and the Central Elections Committee have rejected claims of widespread voting irregularities, stating the process was legal. Qatar has officially denied any interference, labeling the accusations as politically motivated. The investigation into financial routes is ongoing, but authorities have confirmed that it is not expected to delay the formation of the next government or alter the certified election results.