Israel exit polls show deadlock in first national election since Oct 7 terror attack

Early results from polls in Israel's first election since Hamas's terror attack in October 2023 showed Tuesday that neither major party is on track to secure the majority in the country's 120-seat Knesset.

Polls have closed in Israel, but final results are not expected until Tuesday evening. However, voter turnout is reportedly at its highest in 45 years. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a tough reelection bid amid criticism about security lapses ahead of the attacks and his handling of ensuing wars including those in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

A first look at exit polls predict Netanyahu's challengers securing anywhere from 52-55 seats in the Knesset, while Netanyahu's party is projected to win 50 seats, according to Reuters. The unaligned block is projected to win 17 seats.

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot is the leading Netanyahu challenger. Eisenkot, who served in Netanyahu’s war cabinet before resigning, has argued that the country needs a change in leadership.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.