Israel's election produced no clear winner, leaving Netanyahu in charge for now while politicians scramble to build a coalition, and that uncertainty is already shaping decisions on Iran and Gaza.

• Neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition won a majority, with Arab parties holding the balance.
• Netanyahu gets the first shot at forming a government, but the main opposition parties have ruled out joining him, and a deal with Arab parties looks very unlikely.
• Turnout was the highest in decades, partly driven by strong Arab participation after years of hardline rhetoric and policy against them.
• While talks drag on for weeks or months, Netanyahu stays in power and still controls decisions on a possible new war with Iran and the ongoing fighting in Gaza.
• A reported clash between Netanyahu and his military chief over a possible strike on Iran right before the election is raising questions about his motives.

Outlook: If no coalition can reach a majority, Israel heads into another election, and dual citizens who flew home to vote suggest a repeat vote could trim Netanyahu's edge, though another deadlock is just as likely.