Live Now

Live blog: Exit polls suggest Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs fall short of 61 seats, Likud biggest party

Follow our live coverage for the latest developments, results and reaction as Israel votes.

Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot casts his ballot in Herzliya alongside his wife, Hannah, and family members. (Photo: Yashar)
Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot casts his ballot in Herzliya alongside his wife, Hannah, and family members. (Photo: Yashar)

Democrats Gilad Kariv: Netanyahu’s bloc has suffered a crushing defeat

Gilad Kariv, the Democrats party: “Netanyahu’s bloc has suffered a crushing defeat. A massive one. One of the biggest electoral collapses in Israeli political history.

“From 68 seats to around 50. A gap of nearly one million votes between those who support Netanyahu and those who want him out.

“The change bloc is larger than the bloc of abandonment. We can and must form a government.

“We must act quickly, because Netanyahu, the political arsonist, will try to disrupt the transfer of power.

“We are going to form a government of change and send Netanyahu, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir home.”

Gadi Eisenkot: I will act immediately to carry out the people’s decision, replace the Netanyahu government

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yashar! :“The initial exit poll results point to an absolute lack of confidence in Netanyahu and the government responsible for October 7 among the majority of Israeli citizens.

“If these results are final, it is a victory for Israel’s Zionist, national majority.

“I will act immediately to carry out the people’s decision, replace the Netanyahu government and form a Zionist government committed to enlistment as soon as possible.”

Gideon Sa’ar: Celebrations on the Left are premature

Gideon Sa’ar claims; “The celebrations on the Left are premature. One thing, however, seems fairly clear: Likud is Israel’s largest party.”

Yousef Jabareen, head of the Joint List : No political scenario can afford to ignore us

Yousef Jabareen, head of the Joint List (N12): “No political scenario can afford to ignore us. We will make responsible decisions in the coming weeks, whatever the scenario.”

Yair Golan: The public has spoken. It has sacked Netanyahu’s government.

Democrats leader Yair Golan says:“The public has spoken. It has sacked Netanyahu’s government. We have been given a historic opportunity to establish a genuine government of change in Israel, and we have no intention of letting it slip away.

“We represent a huge section of the public that has fought in the streets for four years, joined the party and gone out to campaign and persuade voters. We will do everything in our power to ensure that such a government is formed.

“We are ready to work with all our partners, bridge our differences and take responsibility.

“The public has spoken. Now it is our turn to get the job done.”

Yair Lapid: Netanyahu bloc has suffered crushing defeat

Yair Lapid,  Leader of the Opposition since January 2023, offers snap verdict on Israeli election results

“Make no mistake: Netanyahu’s bloc has suffered a crushing defeat,” he says. “This is a complete collapse, and the public has told them to pack their bags and go home.”

Live Now

Gadi Eisenkot: I will act immediately to carry out the people’s decision, replace the Netanyahu government

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yashar! :“The initial exit poll results point to an absolute lack of confidence in Netanyahu and the government responsible for October 7 among the majority of Israeli citizens.

“If these results are final, it is a victory for Israel’s Zionist, national majority.

“I will act immediately to carry out the people’s decision, replace the Netanyahu government and form a Zionist government committed to enlistment as soon as possible.”