Israel’s election is wide open. Here’s what could decide Netanyahu’s political fate.

Updated on: October 27, 2026 / 1:01 AM EDT / CBS News

Tel Aviv — After three years with their country at war on multiple fronts, Israelis have started casting ballots in a hotly contested election that will shape their next government. Polls show it is an incredibly tight race, and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fights to hold onto his job, there's no guarantee of a quick, definitive outcome for him or his political opponents.

Polls vary widely regarding the expected outcome. Right-leaning pollsters give an advantage to the right-wing and religious bloc led by Netanyahu, while left-leaning pollsters show an advantage for the so-called change bloc opposing the incumbent.

Most polls show neither side is likely to win a decisive majority of the 120 seats in Israel's parliament, the Knesset, which would enable it to unilaterally form a new government. The tight margins mean the voting may end in a stalemate, which could lead to protracted negotiations across ideological lines, the formation of a minority government, or even an election do-over.

"It looks like an indecisive outcome is the most likely outcome," said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute.

This is the first election since the…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/