JERUSALEM, Israel:  Benjamin Netanyahu could remain Israel's prime minister after early election results showed his right-wing alliance leading the opposition, despite falling short of a parliamentary majority.

With nearly 86 percent of votes counted on the morning of October 28, Israel's three main broadcasters projected that Netanyahu's bloc of right-wing, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox parties would win 53 seats in the 120-member parliament. The opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot was expected to secure 48 seats.

Arab-led parties were projected to win 19 seats, an unprecedented result following strong voter turnout among Arab citizens.

Although counting continued, Eisenkot's chances of removing Netanyahu from power appeared increasingly limited. His broad opposition alliance, ranging from the center-left to the hard right, performed below expectations despite pre-election polls predicting a close contest.

Netanyahu's alliance lost its narrow parliamentary majority, but his opponents struggled to form an alternative government without Arab parties' support. Many Jewish political leaders oppose such cooperation. Netanyahu would remain prime minister in a caretaker capacity while coalition talks continued or until another election, potentially next year.

Addressing supporters at Likud party headquarters in Jerusalem shortly after 3 a.m., Netanyahu called for a right-wing government and highlighted Israel's military achievements. He also suggested that Israel could launch further joint military action against Iran alongside US President Donald Trump.

"Israel faces a singular historical opportunity, together with our partner President Trump, to remove the existential threat of Iran once and for all. But ulterior motives must not divert us from this sacred mission," Netanyahu said.

Trump, who had urged Israelis to keep Netanyahu in power so they could continue their campaign against Iran, praised the prime minister's performance. He said his endorsement had helped Netanyahu.

Uncertainty over forming a government affected Israeli financial markets. The shekel weakened by about 1.6 percent to 3.10 against the US dollar, while Tel Aviv's main stock market indexes fell by more than 3 percent.

Eisenkot acknowledged that Netanyahu would remain in office temporarily but argued that the election showed the prime minister had lost public support. He urged Netanyahu to leave politics and warned against using national security for political purposes.

The election followed years of conflict, including the war in Gaza, which has killed about 74,000 Palestinians and destroyed much of the territory. Israel has faced growing international criticism, including in the United States, its closest ally.

The International Criminal Court wants Netanyahu on war crimes charges, which he rejects. He also faces corruption charges in Israel, which he describes as politically motivated.

The results highlighted how Netanyahu's nationalist politics have become central to Israeli public life. His support for settlements in occupied Palestinian territory and rejection of foreign criticism have helped shape the political debate.

The center-left, once dominant during Israel's early decades, has become a much smaller force. Most Jewish parties now oppose the creation of an independent Palestinian state, despite its longstanding place in internationally supported peace efforts.

Turnout reached 77.7 percent, the highest in more than two decades. Participation was particularly strong among Arab citizens, who make up more than a fifth of Israel's population and have often been excluded from government coalitions. Many opposed what they viewed as racist policies under Netanyahu's government.