Israel election deadlock leaves war with Iran uncertain, markets watch oil and crypto

Israel's election produced no clear winner, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party projected to win 24 seats and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party 22 seats. Neither secured the 61 seats needed to govern. The political deadlock raises uncertainty over the future of Israel's conflict with Iran, as both leaders support military action but differ on scale and diplomacy. Oil markets reacted with Brent crude settling at $113.88, reflecting substantial geopolitical risk premium. The Arab parties' strong performance could hold the balance of power, but Eisenkot has ruled out coalition with them, leaving prolonged negotiations or another election possible. Wall Street watches the Strait of Hormuz, where any disruption to the 25% of global seaborne oil trade could raise energy costs and pressure riskier assets including stocks and cryptocurrencies.