**Israel Election 2026 Live: Netanyahu rules out alliance with Arab parties as exit polls show deadlock**

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out forming an alliance with Arab parties as initial exit polls point to a political deadlock. Early projections suggest neither his bloc nor the opposition has secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The results could trigger complex coalition negotiations, leaving the formation of Israel’s next government uncertain.