Surplus agreements between the parties: The deal-making phase kicks in

Ten parties have signed surplus agreements ahead of the final vote count in the 2026 elections. The agreements, which could grant an additional seat to some of them, were signed between Yisrael Beiteinu and Together, the Democrats and Yashar, Likud and Religious Zionism, Ra'am and the Joint List, and Shas and United Torah Judaism. Otzma Yehudit, Amcha Yisrael, and the Reservists and Economic Party remained without an agreement.

With the expected completion of the vote count on Thursday evening, surplus agreements between the parties will come into effect, potentially of critical importance given the narrow gaps between the blocs. Ten parties signed agreements: Yisrael Beiteinu and Together, the Democrats and Yashar, Likud and Religious Zionism, Ra'am and the Joint List, and Shas and United Torah Judaism. Otzma Yehudit, Amcha Yisrael, and the Reservists and Economic Party did not sign. The agreement allows two parties to combine their surplus votes to win an additional seat, using the 'list index' formula (Bader-Ofer law). Lists that did not sign an agreement are at a disadvantage in the distribution of remaining seats. The article explains the calculation mechanism and how it is determined which of the two parties in the agreement receives the additional seat.