Israel election leaves Netanyahu and Eisenkot short of majority
Briefing by News4U · First published
With most ballots counted after Tuesday's vote, Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc and Gadi Eisenkot's opposition both fall short of 61 Knesset seats, as Arab parties head for a record result and coalition talks loom.
Israel's election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without a governing majority on Wednesday, The Guardian reported, as vote counting showed both his right-wing bloc and the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot falling short of the 61 Knesset seats needed for a majority government. [1]
With about 86% of votes tallied, Arab Israeli parties were heading for a record result of 16-19 seats, The Guardian said, leaving Eisenkot facing a choice between a pact with those parties or handing Netanyahu a path via new elections or a unity government. [1]
Eisenkot appeared to rule out such a broad coalition after a premature declaration of victory for what he called a "Zionist majority," The Guardian reported. Netanyahu claimed Arab parties had "stolen the election" and said Likud had sent material to election officials and the Shin Bet. [1]
Once all votes are counted, President Isaac Herzog will give one of the party leaders six weeks to form a government, The Guardian said, with Netanyahu remaining as caretaker until a new majority is formed. [1]
Sources
- Coalition talks loom in Israel as Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs set to fall short of majority
The Guardian · · Full text