Coalition talks loom as Israel exit polls suggest Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs tied
Projections show votes for Palestinian parties surged in a tight contest that saw the highest turnout in decades
TL;DR
- Exit polls suggest neither Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot have enough seats to form a majority government.
- Netanyahu vowed to assemble a coalition of right-wing and religious parties.
- Eisenkot called for Netanyahu to retire from politics.
- Record participation was seen among Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin.
- Palestinian parties could win significantly more seats than in previous elections, but their inclusion in a coalition is unlikely.
- A stalemate could allow Netanyahu to remain in power as a caretaker prime minister.
- The election turnout was the highest since 1999.
- Netanyahu faces accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing allegations, and is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes.