Israel election too close to call as exit polls show Netanyahu bloc slightly behind

Israel's election ended on 27 October with record turnout and exit polls giving Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc a slight edge over Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, though Likud remains the largest party. Arab parties, projected at up to 18 seats, may decide who can form a government, so weeks of coalition bargaining or another election are likely. The vote follows three years of war with Gaza, Hezbollah and Iran, and it will shape Israel's leadership as the region's conflicts remain unresolved.