Israel heads to the polls on October 27, 2026, in a closely contested legislative election projected to leave both Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing and ultra-Orthodox bloc and the opposition grouping led by Gadi Eisenkot short of the 61 Knesset seats needed for a majority. Recent polling averages show the opposition bloc at roughly 52–56 seats versus around 50 for Netanyahu’s alliance, with Arab-led parties holding potential kingmaker influence amid disputes over coalition inclusion. Record voter turnout and surplus-vote pacts have sharpened focus on post-election bargaining, where Haredi conscription, security policy after October 2023, and possible minority or unity arrangements could determine the first mandate recipient and ultimate government composition. Coalition talks may extend weeks or trigger further elections if no viable majority emerges.