Goa, Oct. 29 -- Israel's preliminary election results have left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot facing an uncertain path to forming the next government, with neither camp securing the majority required to govern.

Both leaders claimed victory in speeches delivered to supporters after voting concluded. However, as the counting progressed, it became clear that neither bloc had secured enough seats to command a majority in the 120-member Knesset, Israel's parliament.

Preliminary figures show Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc winning 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot's Yashar party is projected to secure 48 seats. Arab-led parties are expected to win a record 19 seats. A minimum of 61 seats is...