Most Israelis voted against Netanyahu. Why he still looks like winning
On the maths, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost the election by a landslide. Yet, he looks most likely to form government due to a long-standing taboo in Israeli society.
Nicola Smith Foreign affairs and defence correspondent Oct 31, 2026 – 5.00am On the maths, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost the election by a landslide. His coalition won 53 seats compared with 67 seats won by parties who oppose him. In any other country, this would be a resounding defeat.
But not in Israel where 19 of the seats in opposition to Netanyahu were won by Arab parties. Subscribe to gift this article Gift articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Subscribe now Already a subscriber?
Nicola Smith Foreign affairs and defence correspondent Nicola Smith is The Australian Financial Review’s Foreign affairs and defence correspondent. She was formerly the Canberra bureau chief and a foreign correspondent covering Asia and the European Union. She joined the Financial Review in 2025.
Reach Nicola securely on Signal @niccijsmith.03. Fetching latest articles
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