Israel election deadlocked as opposition declares vote against Netanyahu
Israeli opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot declared that voters had rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as preliminary election results on Wednesday showed neither major political bloc securing a parliamentary majority.
“Tonight, we received an answer: the public voted for change. The failed coalition has lost the people's trust,” Eisenkot said. “The Israeli public voted against Netanyahu continuing to serve as prime minister of Israel,” he added.
Early results showed Netanyahu's Likud party emerging as the largest single party with 27 seats, followed by Eisenkot's newly formed Yashar party with 21 seats.
However, both Netanyahu's coalition and Eisenkot's opposition alliance appeared to have secured just over 50 seats each, falling short of the 61 needed to control Israel's 120-seat Knesset.
Meanwhile, Arab-led parties recorded historically high voter turnout and were projected to win between 16 and 19 seats, potentially giving them a decisive role in determining the next government.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Europe's rainfall divide: Norway's coast receives over 3,000 mm while parts of Spain remain dry
With no clear majority emerging, coalition negotiations are expected to begin as Israel faces uncertainty over its next leadership.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
