A supporter holds a banner depicting Israeli Prime Minister and Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu during Israel’s national election, at Likud’s election headquarters in Jerusalem.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Israel’s election ended in an apparent deadlock on Tuesday (October 27, 2026), exit polls by major television networks showed, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival Gadi Eisenkot on track for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Polls closed at 10 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) in Israel’s pivotal general election, which saw high voter turnout and veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fighting for his political life.
Mr. Netanyahu’s Likud Party had asked election authorities to keep polls open past 10 p.m., but this was rejected by the Central Elections Committee, which nonetheless said voters who were already at polling stations as of closing time would still be able to cast their ballots, even if there were lines.
Published – October 28, 2026 01:56 am IST