Israel Election Results Uncertain as Netanyahu Trails Challenger
Exit polls indicate neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot have secured enough seats for a governing majority, potentially positioning Arab parties as kingmakers.
Israel's general election on Tuesday concluded without a clear victor, as exit polls show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu trailing challenger Gadi Eisenkot. Neither bloc appears to have garnered the 61 seats necessary to form a governing majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Netanyahu's Likud party secured 25 seats, and his right-wing alliance reached 50, according to preliminary results from Kan 11. This represents a significant decrease from their current 32 seats. The opposition slate, led by Eisenkot, is projected to win 53 seats.
The outcome could place Israel's Arab parties in a pivotal role, potentially influencing the formation of the next government. These parties are on track to win approximately 17 seats, a notable increase from previous projections of 13 to 15 seats. This significant showing by Arab parties could make them kingmakers, contingent on opposition leader Eisenkot potentially reconsidering a campaign pledge not to cooperate with them.
Coalition Formation Challenges
Official results are expected on Wednesday, but the process of forming a coalition government could extend for several weeks. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will ultimately select a party leader whom he believes can secure a majority in the Knesset. If the Knesset cannot unite behind Herzog's choice, a new round of elections could be triggered.
Until a new prime minister is elected, Benjamin Netanyahu will continue to serve as the acting prime minister. The election saw 38 parties competing for the 120 seats in the Knesset, highlighting a fragmented political landscape.