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Israeli election leaves neither Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's opposition with a majority

By ChordNews · First written (new coverage , updated )

Netanyahu and Eisenkot face difficult paths to power as neither set to win majority
Image: bbc.co.uk
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Summary

Provisional results from Israel's election, counted on Wednesday, show no clear winner, and neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc nor the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot appears to have a majority. Partial results showed Netanyahu's bloc leading Eisenkot, and Le Monde reported significant losses for Netanyahu's bloc while saying the opposition failed to unseat Likud as the largest party. Arab parties made historic gains: Middle East Eye reported that the Joint List and Ra'am won a record total of 19 seats. The BBC said the two main blocs appear to have too few seats to form the next government without relying on Arab parties. Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen said his party would not join a coalition but would be willing to back an opposition-led government from outside it, while Netanyahu called such a coalition forbidden. Some allies in the opposition's change bloc have rejected including Arab parties in a governing coalition, even as The Hindu reported that Golan urged Eisenkot's bloc to govern with them. The Times of Israel reported that the opposition's refusal to rely on Arab parties could force fresh elections or a unity government, either of which would keep Netanyahu in power. Both blocs fall short of a majority, and the shape of the next government remains unclear.

This continues an earlier story: Israel election ends in apparent deadlock as exit polls show no clear winner

Later: Lieberman reportedly cuts contact with opposition leaders as push for a national unity government intensifies in Israel · Palestinian President hopes for peace talks as Israeli election leaves neither bloc with a majority · Netanyahu has lost his majority, but remains hard to defeat · Bennett and Golan back Eisenkot for prime minister as Netanyahu struggles to form a government · Joint List leader urges opposition to unite with Arab parties to oust Netanyahu · Tibi urges Eisenkot to form a minority government and end Netanyahu's rule after Israeli election · Arab parties may be kingmakers in Israel's post-election talks, but opposition leaders' willingness to work with them is in question · Arab Lawmakers Give Netanyahu's Opponents a Clear Parliamentary Majority, but Many Jewish Lawmakers Are Trying to Avoid Relying on Them

Timeline

  1. BBC

    Source ↗

    The BBC reports that the two main blocs appear to have too few seats to form the next government without relying on Arab parties.

  2. NPR

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    NPR reports that with most votes counted Netanyahu's right-wing bloc was leading Gadi Eisenkot, and that a key question is whether Eisenkot's bloc will consider forming a coalition with Arab parties, which had a strong showing.

  3. Le Monde

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    Le Monde reports that provisional results on Wednesday morning showed significant losses for Netanyahu's bloc, that Eisenkot's opposition failed to unseat Likud as the largest party, and that neither bloc is in a position to form a government.

  4. The Hindu

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    The Hindu reports that Golan urged Eisenkot's bloc to form a government with Arab parties to oust Netanyahu, while several allies in the opposition's change bloc rejected including Arab parties in a governing coalition.

  5. The Times of Israel

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    The Times of Israel reports that Arab parties have emerged as potential kingmakers, and that the opposition's refusal to rely on them could force fresh elections or a unity government, either of which would keep Netanyahu in power.

  6. Middle East Eye

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    Middle East Eye reports that Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen said his party is willing to back an opposition-led government from outside a coalition but is not open to joining one, while Netanyahu called a coalition with Arab parties forbidden.

  7. The New York Times

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    The New York Times reports that neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot won a majority, leaving both with a chance to form a government, and explains the obstacles to an opposition alliance that could include Arab parties.

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