With neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot securing a clear majority in Israel's election, the numbers point to difficult coalition negotiations, with Arab-led parties potentially holding the key to the next government.

President Isaac Herzog will task the candidate he deems best placed to form a government once results are in.

The early exit polls had given the opposition camp led by Gadi Eisenkot an advantage. However, later projections put Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc ahead, although still short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

Partial results put Netanyahu’s bloc ahead with 57 seats against 47 for the opposition, while exit polls suggest neither side has a clear path to a parliamentary majority. Arab-led parties could prove crucial in coalition negotiations.

Lula’s reelection kept an ally in the presidency, but a rightward shift in Congress leaves Indigenous leaders facing more battles.