Netanyahu's future in the balance as Israeli election exit polls show deadlock
Benjamin Netanyahu voted at a polling station in Jerusalem this morning(Image: Jewel Samad/Pool AFP via AP)
TL;DR
- Exit polls show Netanyahu's coalition winning 50 seats, the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot winning 52-53 seats, and Arab parties securing 17-18 seats.
- No bloc appears to have secured a majority, indicating potential weeks of negotiations to form a government.
- Arab parties could influence the next prime minister, despite both major blocs' past refusal to partner with them.
- Gadi Eisenkot stated the results signify 'complete distrust in Benjamin Netanyahu' and vowed to act quickly to replace his government.
- The election is viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu's long tenure, with divisions arising even before the recent conflicts.
- Recent conflicts and settler violence have drawn international criticism and strained diplomatic ties.