SUMMARY
In Israel, nearly all the votes have been counted in Tuesday's election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies emerged as the largest bloc, but lost seats and fell short of the majority needed to form a government. The results leave Israel facing the prospect of political gridlock. Nick Schifrin reports from Tel Aviv.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.
News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. See the Google doc above for discussion questions.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Benjamin Netanyahu, and what is his background?
- Which political party is projected to secure the most seats in Parliament?
- When might a new coalition government take power in Israel?
- How might Netanyahu stay in power, according to reporter Nick Schifrin?
- What are the two most likely outcomes of this election, according to Schifrin?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- After watching this segment, do you think it's more likely that Netanyahu stays in power or not? Explain your answer.
- After watching this segment, how do you think the results of the Israel election might impact policy and decision-making in the United States?
Media literacy: After watching this segment, how do elections in Israel seem different than elections in the U.S.? How could you find out more about the differences?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Read the following article, "Iranians fear a possible return to all-out war as U.S. and Israeli elections approach" and then discuss as a class —
- Why do some Iranians believe open war will start again following Israeli and U.S. elections?
- Do you think a renewed campaign by the U.S. and Israel is likely?
- Do you think the outcomes of U.S. and Iranian elections might shape military action? If so, how?
A person dressed up as US President Donald Trump walks inside a mock prison cell during a performance in Tehran, Iran, October 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. ISRAEL OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN ISRAEL. NO ACCESS FOR ISRAELI MEDIA. NO USE BBC PERSIAN. NO USE VOA PERSIAN. NO USE MANOTO. NO USE IRAN INTERNATIONAL. NO USE RADIO FARDA. DIGITAL: NO USE BBC PERSIAN. NO USE VOA PERSIAN. NO USE MANOTO. NO USE IRAN INTERNATIONAL. NO USE RADIO FARDA. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's Intern Sophia Sharaa with editing from News Hour Classroom's Luke Gerwe
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