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Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Otzma Yehudit chief Itamar Ben Gvir address supporters after October 27, 2026, elections. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90, Jewel Samad/AFP, AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rivals on Wednesday each maneuvered to secure an advantage in the political battle to lead the next government, ahead of what are expected to be prolonged coalition talks, due to inconclusive results in the general elections a day earlier.

With over 90 percent of ballots counted, Netanyahu and his allies held 53 seats to the Zionist opposition bloc’s 48 — both far short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.…