Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Israel Election

Israel’s first national election since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc ahead but short of a majority, while opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s alliance also lacks the 61 seats needed in the 120-member Knesset. Vote counting is incomplete and reported totals vary; Arab-led parties could hold the balance of power, though working with them would breach campaign pledges and face political resistance. President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult party leaders and nominate the candidate he believes can form a coalition; talks could lead to unlikely alliances or a unity government, or fail and trigger another election. Markets reacted negatively, with the shekel and Israeli bonds falling amid uncertainty.