Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition is locked in a tight race with opponent Gadi Eisenkot's bloc, but both are below a 61-seat majority, according to Israeli exit polls.

  • The exit polls show Eisenkot's bloc with 51 to 53 seats, Netanyahu's with 50 to 51, and Arab parties with 17 to 18.

Why it matters: If Eisenkot ekes out a win, he would have to try to swear in a minority government supported by the two Arab parties. It's unclear whether all of his political partners would agree to do that.

  • After Eisenkot's bloc emerged with a small lead in early exit poll results, Netanyahu's coalition closed much or all of the gap.
  • The uncertainty could leave Israelis in political limbo as they await official results and potentially a drawn-out fight to form a government.

What they're saying: Eisenkot said that the exit poll results "point to an unequivocal lack of confidence in Netanyahu and the government responsible for Oct. 7, on the part of the Zionist majority and the majority of Israeli citizens. If these results hold, it will be a victory for Israel's Zionist, pro-state majority."

  • He added, "I will act immediately to implement the people's verdict, replace Netanyahu's government, and establish a Zionist government committed to military service, as soon as possible."

Driving the news: The exit poll results came after voters flocked to polling stations throughout the day, with turnout reaching a three-decade high. It was the culmination of a campaign that each side warned would lead to catastrophe if the other side won.

  • An Eisenkot-bloc victory would offer Israel a chance to reset its strained relationships abroad and chart a new course domestically. The former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, however, vowed to maintain a hawkish approach on security matters.

Yes, but: Though Eisenkot's bloc slightly outpaced Netanyahu's, the incumbent prime minister's Likud Party received more seats than Eisenkot's Yashar Party, per the exit polls.

  • But because Israel has a parliamentary system, the bloc totals are what ultimately matter.

Go deeper: Israeli turnout hits three-decade high