Israel election: Netanyahu bloc edges ahead but both sides short of majority
Briefing by News4U · First published
Partial results show Netanyahu's bloc with 54-55 seats and Eisenkot's bloc with 47-49 seats after 57-70% counted; neither reaches the 61-seat majority needed.
Partial results after 57-70% of votes counted show Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc with 54-55 seats and Gadi Eisenkot's bloc with 47-49 seats, both short of the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. Turnout reached 77.7%, the highest since 1999. [1] [2] [3]
Netanyahu told supporters he would form a "strong government of the right" and rejected Arab party support. Eisenkot urged Netanyahu to resign, saying voters wanted change, and pledged a "Zionist conscription government." Arab parties are projected to win 15-19 seats. [1] [2]
Counting continues, with 650,000 absentee ballots still to be tallied. President Isaac Herzog will task one leader with forming a government within six weeks; failure passes the mandate to the rival. [1] [2]
Sources
- Israel election: Netanyahu-led bloc in slight lead with half of votes counted
DW English · · Excerpt
- Coalition talks loom in Israel as Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs set to fall short of majority
The Guardian · · Excerpt
- Both blocs claim upper hand in crucial Israeli election | First Thing
The Guardian · · Excerpt