Netanyahu's bloc leading Israel election but short of majority, partial results show
Partial results from Israel's general election show veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading his rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, but is still short of a majority in parliament.
TL;DR
- Partial results show Benjamin Netanyahu leading over Gadi Eisenkot in Israel's general election.
- Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 53 seats, while Eisenkot's bloc is set for 48 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.
- Neither leader has secured a majority, and forming a governing coalition remains uncertain.
- Arab-led parties could become kingmakers, but most Jewish parties have pledged not to work with them.
- Absentee ballots are still being counted, and final results may take a day or two.
- President Isaac Herzog will consult with factions to select a leader to form a government, a process that could take weeks or result in new elections.
- This election is considered consequential, potentially deciding the country's future trajectory.
- Key campaign issues included accountability for the October 7th attacks, regional wars, military conscription, and judicial reforms.