Netanyahu Leads Israeli Election Race as Trump Claims Credit for Shift

OPA WIRE, Oct 29 (OPA) — Early returns indicate Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc is on track to secure 53 seats in the Knesset, outpacing the 48 seats held by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party. Despite the momentum, the results remain short of the 61-seat threshold required for a parliamentary majority. Final tallies are expected late Wednesday following the processing of approximately 500,000 absentee ballots from military personnel, diplomats, and hospital patients.

President Trump took to social media to claim his intervention altered the election’s trajectory. "When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned," he stated, characterizing the outcome as a significant comeback. Conversely, Likud officials have alleged irregularities regarding Arab-led parties, though the national election committee reported that incidents remained within expected parameters and provided no evidence to substantiate the claims.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot addressed supporters Wednesday, emphasizing a vision for a government that serves the entire electorate. The political landscape remains fractured by deep-seated debates over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox citizens from military service and the ongoing management of the war in Gaza. Netanyahu continues to face scrutiny over corruption allegations and accusations that he prioritized political survival over hostage negotiations.

President Isaac Herzog is expected to initiate consultations next week to determine which candidate is best positioned to form a coalition. Should negotiations fail to produce a stable government, Israel faces the prospect of a new election cycle early next year. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high, with the Trump administration signaling potential further strikes against Iran following the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, a development analysts suggest could influence coalition-building efforts.