Israel's Election Stalemate: Minor Parties Hold the Key to Power The Israeli election ended in a deadlock, with major blocs failing to reach a majority. Now, smaller factions like Religious Zionism and the Joint List hold the power to decide the next government - a situation fraught with risks for both Netanyahu and Eisenkot. With the election results finalized, neither Netanyahu's Likud nor Eisenkot's bloc secured a clear majority in the Knesset. The balance now rests with smaller parties - notably Religious Zionism and the Arab-led Joint List - whose support will be critical for forming a coalition. Netanyahu, facing corruption charges and internal party challenges, may struggle to retain his seat, while Eisenkot must navigate competing demands to secure stability. The coming weeks will determine whether Israel settles into a divided governance or moves toward fresh elections.