Channel 14 exit poll shake-up: Yisrael Beytenu falls short, Netanyahu secures majority

 

Channel 14 updates its election exit poll, giving Netanyahu's bloc a 62-seat majority. Other exit polls paint a different picture.

A dramatic development in the exit polls for Israel's 26th Knesset elections: Channel 14 released an updated projection early Wednesday morning showing that Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beytenu party had fallen below the electoral threshold.

As a result, Netanyahu's bloc rose to 62 seats, giving it the parliamentary majority needed to form a government, according to the updated poll.

The revision marked a significant change from Channel 14's initial projection, which had given Yisrael Beytenu four seats and Netanyahu's bloc just 60.

The update highlighted the substantial differences among the six exit polls released when voting ended. While Channel 14 now projects a 61-seat majority for Netanyahu's bloc, Channel 12 News, Channel 13 News, and Kan 11 News each give the bloc just 50 seats. The i24NEWS poll projects 55 seats, while Channel 16 gives Netanyahu's bloc 53.

All six exit polls show Likud as the largest party, with between 24 and 30 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party is projected to win between 19 and 23 seats.

Channel 12 News exit poll

According to the Channel 12 News exit poll, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is projected to win 27 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party receives 21.

Naftali Bennett's party and the Joint List are each projected to win 12 seats, followed by the Democrats with nine. Ra'am, Shas, and Yisrael Beytenu each receive seven seats, while the Religious Zionist Party, Otzma Yehudit, and United Torah Judaism are each projected to win six.

In terms of political blocs, Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 52 seats, Eisenkot's bloc 49, and the Arab parties 19.

Kan 11 News exit poll

The Kan 11 News exit poll, conducted by Dudi Hasid and the Kantar polling institute, projects 27 seats for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, compared to 21 for Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party.

Together is projected to win 13 seats, the Joint List 11, and the Democrats nine.

Yisrael Beytenu is projected to receive eight seats and Ra'am seven, while Otzma Yehudit, the joint Religious Zionist-Zehut list, Shas, and United Torah Judaism are each projected to win six seats.

According to the exit poll, Amcha Yisrael, the Hendel-Zelekha party, the Haredi Public party, and Noam are all projected to fall below the electoral threshold.

In terms of political blocs, the updated exit poll projects a tie between Eisenkot's bloc and Netanyahu's bloc, with 51 seats each, while the Arab parties are projected to win 18 seats.

i24NEWS Exit Poll

The i24NEWS exit poll, conducted by Tzuriel Sharon of the Direct Polls institute, gives Netanyahu's Likud 27 seats, compared to 20 for Eisenkot's Yashar party.

Together receives 15 seats, while Yair Golan's Democrats and the Joint List each win nine. Shas receives eight seats.

United Torah Judaism, Ra'am, and Otzma Yehudit each receive seven seats, Religious Zionism wins six, and Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu receives five.

The projected bloc breakdown gives Netanyahu's bloc 55 seats, Eisenkot's bloc 49, and the Arab parties 16.

Channel 14 Exit Poll

Channel 14 is the only one of the six election-night exit polls to project a parliamentary majority for Netanyahu's bloc following the overnight update.

According to the updated exit poll, Likud is projected to win 31 seats, Yashar 20, while Together and the Joint List each receive 11 seats.

Shas is projected to win 10 seats, the Democrats nine, while Ra'am, the joint Religious Zionist Party-Zehut list, Otzma Yehudit, and United Torah Judaism each receive seven seats.

According to the exit poll, Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beytenu fails to cross the electoral threshold, as do the Reservists-Economic Party, Amcha Yisrael, the Haredi Public party, and Noam LeYisrael.

Channel 13 News exit poll

The Channel 13 News exit poll, conducted by the Madad polling institute, projects 27 seats for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, compared to 22 for Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party.

Together is projected to win 13 seats, while the Joint List receives 11. The Democrats are projected to win nine seats, Yisrael Beytenu and Ra'am seven each, while United Torah Judaism, Shas, Otzma Yehudit, and the joint Religious Zionist Party-Zehut list each receive six seats.

According to the exit poll, the parties led by Ofer Winter, Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha, and Leitner are projected to fall below the electoral threshold.

In terms of political blocs, the opposition and coalition blocs are each projected to win 51 seats, while the Arab parties receive 18.

Channel 16 exit poll

The Channel 16 exit poll gives Netanyahu's Likud 25 seats, compared to 22 for Yashar.

Together receives 13 seats, the Joint List 11, and the Democrats 10.

Otzma Yehudit, United Torah Judaism, Shas, and the Religious Zionist Party each receive seven seats, while Yisrael Beytenu wins six and Ra'am five.

According to the poll, Ofer Winter's Amcha Yisrael party and the Reservists-Economic Party led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha fail to cross the electoral threshold.

The projected bloc breakdown gives Netanyahu's bloc 53 seats, the change bloc 51, and the Arab parties 16.

Exit polls are only the beginning

Despite the dramatic developments surrounding the exit polls, it is important to remember that these are not the official election results. Exit polls are based on statistical estimates, and the picture may change as vote counting progresses.

The final results will only be determined once all votes have been counted, including ballots cast in double envelopes, which could affect the distribution of Knesset seats and the fate of parties hovering near the electoral threshold.

In any case, the long political night is only beginning. After a day in which millions of Israelis went to the polls, the central question is not only who won the election, but who will be able to translate the results into a political victory and form Israel's next government.

www.israelnationalnews.com/news/435257

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Mostly Peaceful Olive Harvests

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/435138

Vast majority of Judea and Samaria olive harvests proceed peacefully

220,000 dunams harvested across Judea and Samaria

Judea and Samaria olive harvestIDF Spokesperson

Approximately 220,000 dunams of land have been harvested during the current olive harvest season in Judea and Samaria, according to figures released by the IDF, which detailed the security measures being implemented to protect harvesting operations and prevent violence.

According to military estimates, the harvest has yielded approximately 22,500 tons of olives, producing an estimated 5,500 liters of olive oil, with a total reported value of NIS 225 million.

The IDF stated that approximately 100 olive harvesting sites have operated in coordination with security forces, which have provided protection for agricultural activities throughout Judea and Samaria.

Incidents attracting increased MSM coverage which portray Pallys as victims represent only a small proportion of the areas where harvesting is taking place. According to the IDF, the overwhelming majority of coordinated harvesting activities have proceeded according to plan, without exceptional incidents.

To ensure the harvest can proceed safely and minimize the risk of violence, friction, and terrorist activity, the IDF has reinforced Central Command with additional personnel and units. The reinforcements include the headquarters of the 98th Division, a task force headquarters from the Paratroopers Brigade, a regular battalion, and Border Police companies.

The additional forces have been deployed across Judea and Samaria to provide security, prevent confrontations, and conduct counterterrorism operations.

The IDF stressed that security personnel regard violence, criminal offenses, and attempts to undermine security as serious matters, regardless of who is responsible. Security forces are working together to maintain public order and protect the area.

The military added that its forces will continue operating throughout Judea and Samaria to prevent terrorist attacks, safeguard civilians, and preserve security and stability.

The announcement follows several violent incidents and confrontations during this year's olive harvest season in Judea and Samaria.

On October 16, several Israelis were injured during clashes in the Binyamin Region, where Palestinian Arab rioters threw rocks, launched fireworks, and set fire to Jewish-owned agricultural land near al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah. The Binyamin Regional Council accused the rioters of exploiting the olive harvest to provoke confrontations with Jewish residents.

On October 21, New York congressional candidate Brad Lander and dozens of activists were detained during an olive harvest near Beitar Illit. The IDF explained that the activity had not received the required advance authorization, which is intended to ensure security and maintain public order. On the same day, Israeli authorities ordered the deportation of two foreign activists detained during an unauthorized olive harvest in the Hebron Hills.

Earlier, during a visit to Central Command on October 14, IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir addressed the security situation surrounding the harvest, stating: "We are currently in the olive harvest season. The IDF will continue operating to enable the harvest to take place while maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all populations in the area."

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/435138

"Don't stand on the sidelines": Rabbi Dudi Dudkevitch issues call ahead of elections

 

In a special lecture ahead of the elections, Rabbi Dudi Dudkevitch emphasized that voting is not merely a civic right, but a Torah obligation and a responsibility toward the future of the country.

In a special lecture ahead of the elections, Rabbi Dudi Dudkevitch, Rosh Yeshiva of the Ro'eh Yisrael Yeshiva and rabbi of the community of Yitzhar, emphasized that voting is not merely a civic right, but a Torah obligation and a responsibility toward the future of the country.

Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Avraham Shapira, the Chafetz Chaim, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he stressed the importance of achieving practical results, warned against wasting votes, and explained why every ballot cast could constitute a contribution toward bringing merit to the public.

"Elections, on the one hand, are primarily, pri

marily, primarily practical. Of course, ultimately, a person has to decide what to do and whom to vote for," Rabbi Dudi Dudkevitch said at the beginning of his pre-election lecture.

Nevertheless, he explained, the decision at the ballot box is also an opportunity for deeper reflection: "Not only where and for whom we vote, but primarily how we evaluate matters involving such public and national questions."

At the center of the lecture was a letter written by Rabbi Avraham Shapira, former head of the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, containing an unequivocal ruling: "The entire matter of your participation in public elections is not optional, but rather an actual obligation under Jewish law."

Rabbi Dudkevitch elaborated on Rabbi Shapira's character and his role in continuing the tradition of halachic rulings established by the great rabbinic authorities of previous generations.

He explained that Rabbi Shapira's position was not a personal innovation, but rather an expression of a longstanding halachic tradition that regards participation in elections as a public obligation.

One of the central sources cited during the lecture was the teaching of the Chafetz Chaim, who compared those who evade participation in elections to the inhabitants of Meroz, who are condemned in the Song of Deborah: "Curse Meroz... because they did not come to the aid of the Lord against the mighty."

"It cannot be that a person stands on the sidelines as though this has nothing to do with him," Rabbi Dudkevitch emphasized.

According to the rabbi, public responsibility does not end with expressing an opinion or identifying with a particular ideology, but requires action that has a tangible impact.

The rabbi also addressed the security implications of political decisions.

He sharply criticized the Oslo Accords, which he said bear responsibility for bloodshed, and warned against diplomatic approaches that could endanger Israel's security.

"This is absolutely a matter of saving lives in the physical sense, and also of preserving life in the spiritual sense," he said, explaining that, in his view, the elections concern both the security of Israel's citizens and the preservation of the country's Jewish identity.

He subsequently quoted Rabbi Shapira: "We are obligated and commanded to participate and elect our representatives, who will defend these matters."

A significant portion of the lecture was devoted to the question of whom voters should trust to protect the values of the Torah and religion.

Rabbi Dudkevitch cited Rabbi Shapira's teaching that the protection of religious matters should not be entrusted to those who are not personally committed to observing them.

"Someone who is not careful about something cannot be trusted to protect it," the rabbi summarized the principle.

He illustrated the point by comparing it to someone who would not entrust his car to a driver whose caution he did not trust.

At the same time, he emphasized that declarations and good intentions are not enough.

The practical outcome of voting must also be considered, particularly the risk involved in voting for party lists that fail to cross the electoral threshold.

"You believe in something? Make sure it happens," he said, warning of a situation in which "hundreds of thousands of votes, tens of thousands of votes, could be lost."

Another argument presented by the rabbi concerned the mitzvah of zikui harabim, bringing spiritual merit to others.

To illustrate the concept, he recounted a sermon by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef describing a person who arrives in the World of Truth and discovers that he has been credited with establishing a mikveh, a Torah school, and a yeshiva, even though he never personally established any of them.

"Did you vote for Shas? You built the mikveh, you built the Torah school, you built the yeshiva," the rabbi quoted the message of the sermon.

"That is bringing merit to the public. What's the question? That is bringing merit to the public," he emphasized.

He explained that voting can influence the establishment of Torah institutions, synagogues, and mikvehs, as well as the strengthening of Jewish education.

Toward the end of the lecture, the rabbi also cited the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who called on people not only to vote themselves but also to encourage others to participate in elections.

The Rebbe warned of the responsibility involved in abstaining from voting and asked who could bear the burden of the public harm that might result from such abstention.

Rabbi Dudkevitch concluded his lecture by emphasizing the responsibility incumbent upon every individual to participate actively in public decisions rather than simply standing on the sidelines.

"One must act not only on one's own behalf, but also encourage others to act," he said, connecting his remarks to the call to join in "the aid of the Lord against the mighty."

www.israelnationalnews.com/news/435202

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/435181

https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-912921

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-912752

Israel to supply Cyprus with advanced naval patrol vessel

Israel signs defense deal to supply Cyprus with new patrol vessel equipped with advanced Rafael naval systems

    And the systems on P61 will be upgraded

The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus on Monday signed an agreement for the acquisition of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV).

The ceremony was held in Cyprus.

The deal was led by the IMOD's International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) and the CyMOD’s Armaments & Defence Capabilities Development Directorate.

Under the agreement, signed by IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, and his Cypriot counterpart, Mr. Stelios Kountouris, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Cyprus Ministry of Defence, Israel will supply Cyprus with a new patrol vessel built by Israel Shipyards and fitted with a range of Rafael naval systems. In parallel, the systems aboard Cyprus' existing Israel Shipyards-built patrol vessel will be upgraded.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Head of SIBAT Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas. Also attending the ceremony were Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus, Shuli Davidovich; Israel Shipyards CEO, Eitan Zucker; head of Rafael's Naval Warfare Systems Directorate, Ran Tavor; and other senior officials.

This agreement marks another important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command and enhancing its capacity to respond to maritime security challenges. The new OPV, alongside the upgraded OPV IOANNIDES, will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. By strengthening their capabilities and deepening their partnership, the two countries reaffirm their commitment to regional stability.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/435181

Israel to supply Cyprus with new offshore patrol vessel equipped with Rafael systems

Israel and Cyprus have expanded their defense cooperation in recent years, including naval security, military exercises, and defense procurement.

Israel and Cyprus signed an agreement on Monday for the acquisition of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) equipped with advanced Israeli naval systems, the Defense Ministry announced.

It was signed in Cyprus by Defense Ministry Director General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram and Stelios Kountouris, acting permanent secretary of the Cyprus Defense Ministry.

According to the Defense Ministry, the deal was led by its International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) and the Cypriot Defense Ministry's Armaments & Defense Capabilities Development Directorate.

"Israel will supply Cyprus with a new patrol vessel built by Israel Shipyards and fitted with a range of Rafael naval systems," the ministry said. "In parallel, the systems aboard Cyprus's existing Israel Shipyards-built patrol vessel will be upgraded.”

    Cyprus

The signing ceremony was attended by Head of SIBAT Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, Ambassador to Cyprus Shuli Davidovich, Israel Shipyards CEO Eitan Zucker, and Rafael's Head of Naval Warfare Systems Directorate Ran Tavor.

"This agreement marks another important step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Cyprus Naval Command and enhancing its capacity to respond to maritime security challenges," the ministry said.

"The new OPV, alongside the upgraded OPV IOANNIDES, will support expanded patrol, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions."

The ministry added that the agreement reflected the two countries' commitment to regional stability.

Israel and Cyprus have expanded their defense cooperation in recent years, including naval security, military exercises, and defense procurement. Cyprus previously acquired the OPV Ioannides from Israel Shipyards, providing a foundation for the latest agreement, which includes upgrades to the existing vessel.

The two countries also cooperate with Greece on regional security matters, including exercises and military coordination in the eastern Mediterranean.

Cyprus received its first Israeli-built offshore patrol vessel, Commodore Andreas Ioannides, in 2018. The vessel was equipped with Rafael Typhoon naval weapon stations. Cyprus has also acquired Israeli defense equipment including the Barak MX air-defense system and Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, according to a report by Cyprus Mail.

The value of the new naval agreement was not disclosed in the ministry's statement, although Calcalist previously reported that the proposed package was worth approximately $100 million.

https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-912921

Israel, Greece conduct joint naval exercise for operational scenarios, sinking hostile ships

The exercise, attended by the commanders of both countries' navies, highlights the growing military cooperation between Jerusalem and Athens and could also be interpreted as a signal to Ankara.

Israel and Greece conducted a joint naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea this week, practicing a series of operational scenarios, including sinking an enemy vessel with missile fire.

The exercise, attended by the commanders of both countries' navies, highlights the growing military cooperation between Jerusalem and Athens and could also be interpreted as a signal to Ankara of their ability to operate together at sea.

Israeli Navy missile boats and vessels from several units of the Greek Navy participated in the exercise.

The drill was led by Israeli Navy Commander Vice Adm. Eyal Harel and his Greek counterpart, Vice Adm. Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, with the participation of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Gen. Dimitrios Choupis.

During the exercise, the naval units practiced a range of operational scenarios, including identifying and neutralizing maritime threats, sailing as a combined force, and sinking a hostile vessel using missile fire.

The two navies also practiced developing a shared maritime operational picture and improving coordination in defensive and offensive scenarios.

Greece, Turkey struggle in longstanding Mediterranean rivalry

The exercise comes amid the longstanding rivalry between Greece and Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, including disputes over maritime boundaries and territorial rights.

Although the IDF did not present the exercise as a message directed at Turkey, the joint offensive drill between Israel and Greece underscores their military capabilities and growing defense ties.

In December 2025, Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a trilateral military cooperation plan for 2026, covering joint exercises, training programs, working groups, and strategic military dialogue. The agreement was intended to deepen defense cooperation and strengthen regional security and stability.

The IDF described the exercise as a significant leap forward in military and naval cooperation between the two countries, aimed at strengthening joint readiness, addressing emerging threats, and preserving freedom of action and navigation in the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel, Greece, Cyprus discuss establishing joint rapid-response force

The growing partnership also follows discussions between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus about establishing a joint rapid-response force capable of operating on land, at sea, or in the air. The initiative, which was under preliminary consideration in December 2025, was intended to strengthen regional deterrence amid concerns about Turkey's expanding military and strategic presence in the eastern Mediterranean.

"The joint exercise with the Greek Navy represents a significant component in deepening operational cooperation between the two navies. We are constantly working to strengthen the readiness of our forces and expand our capabilities to address emerging threats in the maritime domain,” Harel said.

“The strategic partnership with Greece is a significant force multiplier, strengthening our ability to operate together, both defensively and offensively, to safeguard security and freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean Sea."

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-912752