Overnight projections first gave Eisenkot's opposition a narrow edge, then reversed as the count passed 50% and 84.5%, settling around 54 seats for Netanyahu's camp to 49 for opponents, with 19 seats for Arab lists and neither side near 61. President Herzog urged against another vote as editors asked what comes next and stressed the result changed nothing for Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem seized on the deadlock as an image of defeat to declare disarmament off the table while occupation continued, a line rivals said diplomacy, not arms, had protected Dahiyeh. President Aoun and Premier Salam restated commitment to state monopoly on arms and to keeping UNIFIL or a European replacement through negotiation, as Israeli artillery and evening airstrikes hit southern villages and Washington was reported warning of a harsh response if Hezbollah entered a war.