Pro-Netanyahu bloc leads with 85 percent counted, difficult formation threatens

With 85% of votes counted, Netanyahu's pro-bloc leads with 53 seats in the Israeli elections, while opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc has 48. The Arab parties achieve a historic 19 seats. Netanyahu's Likud party loses six seats, dropping to 26. The new distribution complicates coalition formation, as no bloc can secure the 61 seats needed for a majority. Netanyahu rejects cooperation with Arab parties, labeling it as betrayal. Eisenkot is open to collaboration but sets strict conditions. The high voter turnout of 77.7% reflects dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's government and the Gaza conflict, with increased participation from Arab communities.