Eisenkot claims victory as Netanyahu bloc loses majority in Israeli elections

Gadi Eisenkot, the former Israeli military chief, claimed victory on Wednesday, 28 October, after exit polls indicated a significant collapse in support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing bloc. However, initial projections show neither side has secured the 61-seat majority required to form a government in the 120-seat Knesset. Exit Polls Show Tight Race Data from CNN and France24 suggest Eisenkot’s opposition bloc is projected to secure approximately 52 seats, while Netanyahu’s bloc is expected to hold 50 seats. This marks a sharp decline from the 68 seats Netanyahu’s coalition currently holds in the Knesset. Nadav Eyal, a columnist for the Yediot Ahronot daily, described the projected loss as a substantial defeat for the incumbent prime minister. Eisenkot, 66, founded the Yashar party in 2025 following his resignation from Netanyahu’s emergency government in June 2024. Although Likud remains the largest single party, the failure of the right-wing bloc to reach a majority leaves the path to power uncertain for both candidates. The General’s Political Rise Eisenkot served as Israel’s 21st chief of staff from 2015 to 2019. His military career was marked by his support for the prosecution of Elor Azaria in 2016 and his association with the \"Dahiyeh\" doctrine, which advocates for the use of overwhelming force against infrastructure to deter militant activity. His personal life has been deeply affected by the conflict; his youngest son, Gal, and two nephews were killed during…