In the early hours of Wednesday, preliminary results from Israel's parliamentary elections indicated that Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party was ahead of its main rival, Yesh Atid, led by Gadi Eisenkot. With nearly one million votes counted, Likud was in the lead, but the competition for forming the next government remained open. This development came after exit polls suggested that the opposition camp to Netanyahu was slightly ahead in seat distribution, despite Likud topping the party list.
Exit polls broadcast by Israeli channels showed that Likud could secure around 24 to 27 seats, compared to Yesh Atid's 23 seats. The estimated seat count for the opposition camp ranged from 51 to 53 seats, while Netanyahu's camp could garner between 49 and 52 seats, according to varying polls and updates. Neither bloc has achieved the required 61-seat majority to form a government.
The results of Arab parties are crucial in these elections, as exit polls suggested they could collectively secure 17 to 19 seats. This could enable them to play a significant role in determining the next government, either by joining the coalition or providing parliamentary support from outside. Netanyahu has previously stated that he would not form a government reliant on Arab party support, advocating instead for a strong right-wing government.
The elections saw a high turnout, with 77.7% of eligible voters participating, marking one of the highest rates in over two decades. The political community is now awaiting the official results and the completion of vote counting, as changes in seat distribution could alter calculations for forming the next coalition.
Under Israel's electoral system, the party with the most votes does not automatically lead to its leader becoming the prime minister. This depends on the candidate's ability to gather sufficient parliamentary support to form a coalition that commands the confidence of the Knesset. The elections were held for the 120 seats in the Knesset, with Netanyahu seeking to remain in office and opposition forces aiming to end his tenure and form a new government.
The elections were conducted under a proportional representation system, requiring a party to secure at least 3.25% of valid votes to participate in seat distribution. The outcome of the elections will determine the balance of power in the Knesset and the ability of parties to form alliances.
The final results and coalition negotiations will be crucial in determining Israel's next government. The process of forming a government may take several days or even weeks, as parties negotiate and attempt to secure the necessary seats to achieve a majority.
Key points
- Netanyahu's Likud party is in the lead after counting nearly one million votes.
- The opposition camp, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is still in contention to form the next government.
- The outcome of the elections will depend on coalition negotiations and the support of Arab parties.
