Exit Polls Show Eisenkot Bloc Leading by Two Seats in Israeli Election

Jerusalem, Oct. 28, 2026. Gadi Eisenkot stood before a crowd of candidates and supporters three and a half hours after polls closed, declaring he would do everything possible to form a Zionist government.

The former military chief claimed the vote represented a rejection of Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued leadership. He argued that holding another election would be a mistake given the high turnout, which he identified as the highest since 1999.

Official counts remain slow, with results available from only 128 of the more than 12,000 polling stations. Early exit polls, however, indicate that Eisenkot’s bloc would secure 52 seats, slightly ahead of Netanyahu’s party, which is projected to win 50 seats.

Neither bloc commands a majority on its own. The Arab parties are projected to hold 18 seats, making their support essential for any governing coalition. Eisenkot did not explicitly rule out working with these parties, a stance mirrored by leaders of the third and fourth place parties, Yesh Atid and the Democrats.

During his speech, Eisenkot addressed Netanyahu directly, calling on him to accept a popular no-confidence motion and withdraw from political life. He warned the prime minister not to use Israel’s security for personal political goals.

Eisenkot also spoke to security officials, referring to them as serving the state rather than a transitional prime minister who lacks a mandate. He urged them to stand firm against any attempts to challenge their authority and promised his full support.

He outlined key principles for a potential government, including mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews and the dismantling of Hamas. Eisenkot stated that millions of Israelis are tired of a culture of lies, failure, and division.