Netanyahu's Bloc Leads in Israeli Election but Lacks Clear Majority
Partial results show Netanyahu's Likud party and allies ahead with 53 seats, but short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, bbc.com reported.
Israel's general election has put veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc in the lead, but without a clear majority, according to partial results, BBC.com reported.
Netanyahu's Likud party and its far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies are projected to win 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, while his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party and other opposition parties are set to secure 48 seats.
The outcome could hinge on Arab-led parties, which are on track to win a record 19 seats and may become kingmakers, although most Jewish parties have ruled out working with them.
With a significant number of absentee ballots yet to be counted, final results may take a day or two to emerge, after which President Isaac Herzog will consult with all political factions to determine who has the best chance of forming a government.
The election, seen as one of the most consequential in Israel's history, comes after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and will determine the country's leadership and trajectory.
The Israeli election was closely watched, with issues like accountability for security failures, judicial reforms, and the country's international standing at the forefront.
The results have sparked varied reactions, with some expressing disappointment and others relief, as the country navigates its complex political landscape.
What's Next
The process of forming a government could take weeks, and if negotiations fail, another election may be necessary.
The outcome will have significant implications for Israel's future, including its relations with neighboring countries and its stance on key issues like the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
