Demonstrators gathered outside Eisenkot's home in Herzliya on Thursday, chanting slogans and displaying banners demanding a Jewish-Arab political partnership following Israel's inconclusive parliamentary election .

"The people have decided: Jewish-Arab partnership," protesters chanted.

Their demand followed the October 27 election, which left Netanyahu's political bloc with 53 seats and the four main opposition parties with 48.

Neither side secured the 61 seats required for a majority in Israel's 120-member Knesset.

However, the Arab-led Joint List won 11 seats, while Ra'am secured eight, giving the two parties a combined 19 seats.

Their support would raise the opposition's parliamentary numbers to 67, enough for a majority if the parties agreed to cooperate.

Despite the potential majority, several opposition leaders have rejected the possibility of forming a government with Arab parties.

Eisenkot, whose Yashar party emerged as the largest opposition party with 21 seats, had also ruled out including Ra'am in a government led by him during the election campaign.

The position has become a focus of the demonstrations, with protesters urging opposition leaders to reconsider their differences.

Similar gatherings were reported in Jerusalem and Haifa, where demonstrators called for cooperation between Jewish and Arab political parties to replace Netanyahu.

Such an arrangement would not be without precedent.

In 2021, Ra'am joined the governing coalition formed by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, marking an example of Jewish-Arab cooperation in Israel's national government.

The latest demonstrations have placed renewed attention on Eisenkot and other opposition leaders as they consider their options following the election.

Although the combined opposition and Arab parties hold enough seats for a parliamentary majority, disagreements over political cooperation remain an obstacle to forming a government.

Official results announced on Friday showed Likud securing 27 seats in the 120-member Knesset. However, Netanyahu's political bloc won only 53 seats, eight short of the 61 required for a parliamentary majority.

The results have left Israel facing difficult coalition negotiations, with neither Netanyahu nor his main political opponents securing enough seats to govern independently.

Central Elections Committee Acting Director-General Din Livne announced the distribution of seats for the 26th Knesset, confirming that 11 parties had crossed the electoral threshold.

"The Likud list received 27 seats, and the Yashar list received 21 seats. The Beyachad list received 12 seats. The Joint List won 11 seats," Livne announced.

The Democrats and Ra'am each secured eight seats, while Yisrael Beytenu, United Torah Judaism and Otzma Yehudit won seven seats each.

Shas and Religious Zionism received six seats apiece.

The main opposition bloc secured 48 seats, while the two Arab-led parties won a combined 19 seats, potentially giving them an important role in determining the next government .

Voter turnout reached 77.9 per cent, with more than 5.7 million ballots counted, including special double-envelope votes. Nearly 5.69 million votes were declared valid.

Livne said the results could undergo minor adjustments as election officials continued reviewing ballot boxes, checking errors and examining complaints.

The figures are scheduled to be presented to President Isaac Herzog on November 4, ahead of the new Knesset's inauguration on November 10.

Meanwhile, a classified investigation into suspected foreign interference has added another dimension to the political uncertainty.

Livne confirmed that the head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency had presented classified intelligence to Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg, prompting an investigation.

Senior political figures had also received briefings on the matter.

However, Livne rejected reports circulating about the intelligence, stressing that the information remained highly classified.

"I would like to emphasise that the circle of secrecy regarding this intelligence is extremely tight. Not only can further details not be disclosed due to high security classification, but reports published throughout the day are entirely unfounded," he said.

He also maintained that the investigation was separate from the vote-counting process and would not change the election results.

"The investigation is taking place in parallel with the processes conducted by the Central Elections Committee, and it will not affect the final results of the actions. Nor does it pertain to any particular sector," he asserted.

The investigation follows allegations of attempted foreign influence through political funding.

Netanyahu and his allies have separately raised concerns about electoral interference, although officials say no evidence of systematic voting irregularities has been established.

Israeli media have reported claims from sources within Netanyahu's party linking Qatar to the alleged interference. Qatar has strongly denied the accusations.

The investigation's findings will be submitted to Sohlberg, who also serves as Deputy President of Israel's Supreme Court, once the inquiry is completed.

The Central Elections Committee has said further updates will be provided where security restrictions permit.

Speaking in a televised address on Thursday, Bennett questioned Netanyahu's handling of Qatar, accusing him of previously refusing to take action against the Gulf state despite repeated demands.

"Everyone knows that for a very long time, I repeatedly demanded that Netanyahu declare Qatar an enemy state. And repeatedly, Netanyahu refused, choosing instead to whitewash it. To this very moment, he continues to keep advisers in his office who have already been proven to have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Qatar during the massacre, during the war, and who worked from within his office to advance Qatar's interests," Bennett claimed during a TV address.

His remarks followed renewed concerns about possible foreign interference in Israel's October 27 parliamentary election.

Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, who chairs Israel's Central Elections Committee, has asked the Shin Bet security agency to investigate suspected foreign funding and possible election bribery.

Israeli media have linked the suspicions to Qatar, although Sohlberg did not identify any country. The allegations remain unproven.

Bennett argued that Netanyahu's renewed attention to Qatar was politically motivated, accusing him of exploiting the controversy following the inconclusive election.

"This morning, suddenly, when it serves his interests, Netanyahu remembered Qatar and is using it to sow chaos and undermine public trust in the democratic process,” Bennett added, calling on the Israel Security Agency and the Elections Committee “to act swiftly,” and on Netanyahu to “declare Qatar an enemy today.”

The dispute has also revived scrutiny of the so-called Qatargate affair, which involves allegations that individuals connected to Netanyahu's office received payments to promote Qatari interests.

Qatar has previously rejected Bennett's accusations.

Sohlberg has instructed Shin Bet chief David Zini to submit his findings within a week.

According to Israeli media reports, the investigation concerns suspected foreign funding of efforts to increase voter turnout among Arab communities.

However, no evidence establishing Qatari involvement in electoral wrongdoing has been made public.

Netanyahu's Likud party has separately accused Arab-led political parties of widespread electoral fraud .

Police said they found no evidence supporting those allegations. No connection has been established between the alleged voting irregularities and the foreign-interference investigation.

The political dispute comes as Israel faces uncertainty over the formation of its next government.

Preliminary results from the October 27 election indicate that Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats, while the Jewish-led opposition won 48 and Arab-led parties obtained 19.

Neither main political camp reached the 61 seats required to form a majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Speaking in Nazareth, the Ta'al party leader said removing the current government remained his main objective, even if the next administration did not fully reflect his political preferences.

"We want to oust this government, to bring it down! To depose Netanyahu, then to depose Amir Ohana, and pave the way for an alternative government. It won't be my cup of tea," he said.

"It will be a different government. Reality must be changed, and this possibility must be given a chance based on voter turnout rates. We are heading in that direction. There are no deals ."

Tibi's remarks came as reports indicated increased participation among Arab voters, a development he welcomed as an encouraging sign for democracy.

He pointed to long queues outside polling stations in Arab communities, particularly in Tayibe, where he claimed voter participation had reached levels comparable to local elections .

"The racists retreat into their dens, and that is what will happen," he declared.

The lawmaker also accused unnamed parties of attempting to delay the voting process but maintained that the growing turnout could help bring about a change in government.

"At the end of the day, we will take on the racists, send them home, and pave the way for a new reality and perhaps a new hope. It will not be easy, but victory is within reach," he said.

The Joint Arab List, comprising Hadash, Ta'al and Balad, is seeking to win nine or ten seats in Israel's 120-member parliament.

Its campaign has focused on increasing Arab political representation and opposing Netanyahu's government.

Tuesday's election is Israel's first parliamentary vote since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wars.

The election has brought questions about national security , political accountability and Israel's future into focus.

With neither of the major political blocs guaranteed the 61 seats required to form a parliamentary majority, the outcome could lead to difficult coalition negotiations.

Tibi's calls for change come as the Joint Arab List seeks to increase its representation in a closely contested election.

These were the words of Eyal Eshel, whose 19-year-old daughter Roni was killed during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack while serving as an Israeli military observer at Nahal Oz.

Eshel joined other families of victims and former hostages at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, demanding answers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as Israelis voted in a national election.

The gathering began at 06:29 local time (04:29 GMT), marking the moment Hamas launched its attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel's subsequent military offensive killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza .

Among those demanding accountability was Einav Tzangauker, whose son Matan spent 738 days in Hamas captivity before being released.

She criticised the government's handling of the hostage crisis and questioned why the captives had not been brought home earlier.

"Go out and vote so this failure never happens again, so we know what happened and who is responsible, and so we can finally begin to repair and rebuild," she said.

Michel Michael Ilouz, whose son Guy was murdered while held hostage, also addressed the gathering, urging Israelis to remember the victims when casting their ballots.

"From here, I call on the people of Israel: remember him, and remember everyone, when you vote. Vote for change, vote for hope, vote to make things a little different here."

The families have repeatedly demanded an independent state commission of inquiry into the security and intelligence failures surrounding October 7.

Netanyahu's government has instead supported an investigative panel appointed through a different process.

Israel's High Court postponed its ruling on the proposed inquiry until after the election, giving the government until January 15, 2027, to explain how it intends to investigate the failures.

Questions over the government's handling of the attack have also intensified following reports that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel warned Israel three times before October 7, including an alleged warning delivered directly to Netanyahu.

The prime minister denied receiving those warnings.

Earlier in October, former Israeli hostage negotiator Major General Nitzan Alon suggested that the captives could have been released 'maybe a year earlier' without seriously compromising Israel's military objectives.

Tuesday's election saw Netanyahu's Likud party and its allies face a divided opposition, including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

The unresolved questions surrounding October 7 remained a major issue as Israelis went to the polls .

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Netanyahu described Iran as a major threat to Israel's security and claimed that Tehran had resumed nuclear activities despite previous military strikes.

"There is one fundamental question here: our survival today. This morning, Iran's news agency published a video showing the leadership's guidance to drop atomic bombs on Israel . They have renewed the nuclear program. We have battered this regime; it is faltering, it is bruised and battered, and like a wounded scorpion, it could make its desperate sting and destroy us," he said.

The Israeli leader insisted that the country's military was prepared to respond to any renewed threat, promising to 'strike them again.'

Netanyahu also highlighted his close relationship with US President Donald Trump , presenting their cooperation as an opportunity to address Iran's nuclear ambitions.

He argued that Trump's remaining time in office offered Israel a chance to take further action against Tehran.

"It is doubtful we will ever have such a friendly president again. This will not repeat itself. He has two more years, and he says he calls on you to vote for me and he says, 'only with him.' Only with your humble servant will he be ready to launch an operation that will once and for all remove the Iranian threat," he said.

Netanyahu further claimed that he had instructed Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, and the Israel Defence Forces to pursue regime change in Iran , arguing that removing Tehran's government was necessary to eliminate the threat.

The prime minister also suggested that several Arab countries were waiting to see whether Israel would complete its military campaign before considering further diplomatic agreements under the Abraham Accords.

"We have an opportunity to secure a bright diplomatic, economic, and security future for the State of Israel, to secure our future. That is what is at stake."

His comments come as Israel prepares for an election that Netanyahu described as closely contested.

According to figures he cited during the interview, the rival political blocs were tied at 60 seats each.

Tuesday's vote follows US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, which were followed by retaliatory attacks across the region.

Netanyahu is also facing domestic criticism over the security failures surrounding the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, exemptions from military service and the rising cost of living.

Speaking during a televised interview in Modiin on Monday, Netanyahu linked the unrest in France to growing dissatisfaction with the country's political leadership.

"Well, I think the French people see what's happening in the streets of France, and probably will, as it looks like it could foster a change in the political makeup of France," Netanyahu said.

His comments come as French President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure following nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs, fuel prices and conditions in public education.

Hundreds of thousands of people participated in protests on October 17, with reports of rioting, looting and attacks on public buildings in several French cities.

Netanyahu suggested that a change in France's political leadership could create opportunities for stronger relations with Israel, particularly on security matters.

"I certainly do, because they understand that they're under threat again. It's the common enemy that creates common interests," he noted.

The Israeli leader also criticised Macron's response to the Gaza conflict, recalling a conversation between them following the October 7 attacks.

"Macron called me on October 7th. He said, you know, we have to work for an immediate ceasefire and to solve this by diplomacy. And I said, no, no, Emmanuel, it's not going to be solved by diplomacy," he continued. "These are monsters. These are neo-Nazis."

Netanyahu claimed he had warned Macron that Hamas could eventually pose a threat to European cities if Israel failed to defeat the group.

"I said, you know, Hamas is like ISIS. In fact, it's worse in some respects than ISIS, even worse than ISIS. And let me tell you, if we don't stop Hamas here, you'll see them on the streets of Paris. And that's exactly what is happening right now," he added.

His remarks linked the unrest in France to the security concerns he has repeatedly raised about Hamas, although the reported demonstrations have centred on domestic economic and public service issues.

The protests have increased political pressure on Macron ahead of France's 2027 presidential election, with conservative politicians criticising his government's handling of public security.

Relations between France and Israel have also deteriorated over disagreements concerning Israel's military operations in Gaza and developments in the occupied West Bank.

The latest diplomatic dispute followed Macron's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he criticised Israeli expansion in the West Bank.

Netanyahu has repeatedly challenged France and other European governments over their positions on Israel's security policies.

His latest comments come ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, with the prime minister emphasising his national security position as the country prepares to vote.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the declaration on Wednesday as Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem, marking a new phase in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The opening follows Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella's decision to restore ties with Israel after his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, severed relations in May 2024 over the war in Gaza .

Speaking at the inauguration, Netanyahu welcomed Colombia's decision and highlighted Jerusalem's importance to Israel.

"Thank you, Colombia, for this friendship, and I can say that there's no better place to celebrate it than in Jerusalem. Because it has been the pulsating heart of the Jewish people for three millennia. It's our past, it's our future, it's our hope, it's our faith," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader praised De la Espriella for changing Colombia's diplomatic approach and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in security, agriculture, water management and artificial intelligence .

"We want to seize the future together with security, with agriculture, with water, with AI, with everything, with everything. We want to make it grow- not only the crops, the people, the children- give hope," he continued.

Netanyahu also acknowledged that Israel's relations with several Latin American governments had weakened in recent years but said diplomatic engagement was improving.

"You have a beautiful country, beautiful people, and you deserve the future that now you will get. You have no better friend than Israel. We believe that we have no better friend than Colombia," he remarked.

Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attended the embassy inauguration.

With the opening, Colombia becomes the tenth country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem and the fourth Latin American nation to do so, joining Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay.

The diplomatic development follows more than two years of strained relations between Israel and Colombia.

In May 2024, former President Petro cut diplomatic ties with Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians. Israel rejected the allegation.

The decision disrupted a relationship dating back to 1957, when the two countries established diplomatic ties.

Since assuming office in August 2026, De la Espriella has moved to rebuild relations, revive a bilateral free trade agreement and strengthen cooperation in security, technology and investment.

His government has also recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, prompting criticism from the Palestinian Authority and Jordan.

The decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem remains controversial because of the city's disputed status. Most countries continue to maintain their diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv.

Israel's election is scheduled for October 27, 2026, after the Knesset completed its full term and was dissolved in July.

Footage from Likud's Jewish New Year gathering in Tel Aviv on Thursday shows Netanyahu greeting supporters and joining party members on stage before addressing the crowd.

"I want to disappoint you: I am not the Messiah, and I am not a king either. A king does not need to be elected. I need to be elected. I need you, and that is why I am going out into the field," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu presented the election as a choice between Israel's political right and left, raising Palestinian statehood and the judiciary as key dividing issues.

"Which direction are we going? Is it left or right? Do you want the left? Do you want the right? Do you want a Palestinian state? Do you want a Jewish state? Do you want a judicial dictatorship? Do you want real democracy ?" he asked.

He later described the political centre as a 'bluff' and criticised Gadi Eisenkot, the former military chief who leads the Yashar party. Eisenkot's party is among Likud's major rivals in the election.

Netanyahu also highlighted his government 's military record since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack, praising Israeli soldiers and arguing that his government had changed the regional balance of power.

"Look at what we have achieved thanks to our heroic soldiers, our heroic soldiers. We are proud of you. We salute you," he said, persisting, "On the second day of the war, I promised: we will change the face of the Middle East . And that is exactly what my colleagues here — the ministers of the government and members of the Knesset — that is exactly what we did together. We changed the face of the Middle East."

Netanyahu cited the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas figures Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh. He also referred to the September 2024 operation in which pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon.

Turning back to the campaign, Netanyahu urged his supporters to keep up their efforts until polling day.

"Likud is awake, Likud is kicking, Likud is strong. But we need to maintain this enthusiasm until Election Day," he asserted.

The October 27 election will be Israel's first national vote since the Hamas-led October 7 attack and the wars that followed.

Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Netanyahu compared Iran's nuclear programme to a "cancer" that could return if it was not fully removed.

"We recognised this cancer, a cancerous mass, and you know that after you remove cancer, you know that if you don't remove it, you... Death," Netanyahu said.

"Cancer also has metastases. And if there are metastases, it will develop into a real renewed threat," he argued.

Netanyahu repeated the warning, claiming Tehran was attempting to revive its nuclear activities.

"Cancer also has metastases. And if there are metastases, it will develop into a real renewed threat. Iran is renewing, wants to renew its nuclear programme," he continued.

The Israeli prime minister also addressed the conflict in Gaza, promising to disarm Hamas "one way or the other" and leaving open the possibility of taking Gaza City.

"They will be disarmed. As it's said in English, how should I tell you? One way or the other. The easy way or the hard way. But I am committed to this, and I will do it," he said.

"But if they don't return the weapons, the IDF will conquer the city of Gaza and dismantle Hamas of its weapons," the interviewer interjected.

"If necessary, that's what will happen," Netanyahu added.

Netanyahu also rejected the creation of a Palestinian state.

"There will not be a Palestinian state, except for the politicians who are unwilling to admit it, but there will not be, and we will not allow a Palestinian state," he said.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, where there has been a reported rise in settler violence , Israeli military raids and continued settlement expansion.

Netanyahu condemned what he called "criminal acts of violence" and described the settlers responsible as "a small group of young people who come with various troubles and problems".

The comments also come as the US-backed Gaza ceasefire remains under strain, amid continued Israeli strikes and disagreements over implementing a plan aimed at moving Gaza towards demilitarisation, reconstruction and civilian governance .

Speaking in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu said Israel would continue to defend itself against Iran and insisted the country would face no future threat from Tehran.

“This is our land and it will remain ours forever. There is, of course, a very major struggle around us to uproot us not only from the heart of our land, but to uproot us altogether from the State of Israel,” he said. “There will be no threat from Iran.”

Netanyahu said he had discussed three possible approaches to Iran with US President Donald Trump : a deal, military action or tougher sanctions.

He expressed doubt that an agreement with Tehran could be reached.

“A good deal, we have no objection. I am doubtful, with this bunch over there, with these savages. Can a deal be made? I'm telling you. It's impossible to make a deal with them,” he said.

Netanyahu then addressed the possibility of further military action, referring to what US officials have described as a “kinetic option”.

“A second option is an option. What do they call it? These sanitized words? A kinetic option. Have you heard these words? A kinetic option, in short, military action. I told him we are there, we will defend ourselves,” he said.

“We won't let Iran attack us, and if God forbid they attack us, or if they attack us, they will suffer a blow they never dreamed of, much stronger than what they have suffered until now. Much stronger. And I said there is also a third option. And the third option. To tighten the siege.”

Netanyahu said Trump's latest secondary economic sanctions were aimed at “tightening the siege on those who help this regime”.

The United States announced earlier this week that it was “tightening the noose” on countries and businesses dealing with Iran.

Reports earlier this week suggested Washington was returning diplomats across the Middle East as the Trump administration appeared to move away from further military action and turn its attention towards the November midterm elections.

Netanyahu has faced criticism over claims that he “bounced” Trump into the latest conflict with Iran, an allegation denied by both Israel and the United States.

Speaking on Wednesday, Netanyahu pointed to the number of communities and farming outposts established under his government and said further expansion was planned.

“This is our land, and there is none other,” Netanyahu said. “You are preparing the ground for a very large immigration that will come.”

“One cannot ignore the numbers. One hundred and four communities that we established and arranged together, and 160 farms. And more is yet to come,” he continued.

His remarks come as Israel moves to expand and formalise settlements and farming outposts across the occupied West Bank.

Israel’s security cabinet approved plans in July for 13 new communities in the Binyamin region. Local officials said work on the first sites was already underway.

Israeli officials commonly refer to the West Bank by the biblical names Judea and Samaria, while rejecting international legal positions concerning the territory and Israeli settlements there.

In a 2024 advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice said Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem were being maintained in violation of international law. The court also called on Israel to halt new settlement activity.

The final session on Friday ended with applause from lawmakers as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz looked on before parliament formally closed ahead of national elections .

Coalition Whip Ofir Katz praised lawmakers for completing the full term and highlighted the work carried out during the past four years.

"We are completing a four-year term. We passed nine budgets, hundreds of laws. I thank you for the trust you placed in me, that together we managed to hold a four-year term. We did this together with the whole group, with all the members here, and this is only one part. God willing, for another four years of you continuing to lead the State of Israel," Katz told the Knesset.

The final sitting followed a week of marathon parliamentary sessions in which lawmakers approved several controversial bills as Netanyahu pushed through key elements of his legislative agenda.

The dissolution of the 25th Knesset officially launches Israel's election period, with voters set to elect members of the 26th Knesset on October 27.

Under Israeli law, the newly elected parliament is expected to convene about two weeks after the vote, when lawmakers will begin forming a new government .

The completion of the four-year term ends more than a decade of repeated early elections and short-lived governments, making the 25th Knesset the first Israeli parliament in nearly four decades to serve its full mandate.