Exit polls from Israel’s election indicate a tight race between the opposition bloc and the ruling coalition, both falling short of the 61 seats required to form a government, setting the stage for uncertain coalition talks. The far-right Otzma Yehudit party failed to gain ground despite expectations of an improved showing, leaving its supporters in shock as preliminary results matched its previous seat count. Meanwhile, the rise of Palestinian parties in the Knesset could reshape Israel’s political landscape, adding new dynamics to the post-election negotiations. Analysts suggest the outcome will force key players to reassess alliances as the country awaits a clearer path forward.
Partial results put opposition bloc on 49 seats, behind Netanyahu’s coalition at 55 seats, with both falling short of the 61 needed to form a governmentFull report: Coalition talks loom as Israel exit polls suggest Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs tiedAnalysis: Rise of Palestinian parties in Knesset will redraw Israel’s political landscapeIsrael election: what we know so farOne apparent loser from Tuesday’s election was far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was expected to better his party’s result of six seats from the 2022 elections.But instead there was stunned silence at the watch party for Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) in central Israel as results from the exit polls flashed across the screen, with most channels suggesting the party would remain on just six seats. Continue reading...
