Colom, a 43-year-old local prosecutor, capitalized on the state's large Black population, discontent with the economy and Hyde-Smith’s missteps as she sought a second full term.
Eisenkot, who ran as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival, now has to launch complicated negotiations with potential coalition partners. He has six weeks to form a government.
The rupture caused by Israel's devastating military campaign in Gaza and the jointly launched war with Iran has shredded bipartisan U.S. support for Israel that goes back decades.