Netanyahu wins Israeli election, uncertain whether to form government

The outgoing Israeli Prime Minister spoke of a “huge victory of the right” Benjamin Netanyahu after the fourth parliamentary elections in the country in two years, but now he has to win allies in order to form a government.

Netanyahu’s Likud party came in first, according to exit polls, but even with the help of its allies fails to gather the necessary seats to have a majority in parliament, as broadcast by AMPE. The focus is now on Naftali Bennett, the leader of the radical right, who has not yet clarified whether he will join a governing coalition with Likud.

“Its citizens Israel, thanks! “You have given a huge victory to the right and Likud (…) It is obvious that the vast majority of Israelis are on the right and want a right-wing government, strong and stable,” Netanyahu said, adding that he had spoken to Bennett and “extended my hand.” to all the deputies who believe in our values, without excluding anyone “.

According to the exit polls, Likud has 31 to 33 seats out of 120 in the Knesset, while Yesh Atid (There is a Future) of the center Yair Lapid has 16 to 18 seats.

“To heal the wounds”

In order to garner the 61 seats needed to have a majority in parliament, Netanyahu is relying on his alliance with pro-Orthodox parties but also on the new “Religious Zionist” political formation of Itamar Ben Gwir, an important far-right figure.

For his part, Lapid relies on cooperation with left-wing, center-right and right-wing parties that have been disappointed by the outgoing prime minister.

However, according to exit polls, Both Netanyahu and Lapid’s alliance have about 50 seats. Hence the importance of Bennett’s support for Netanyahu so that he can form a government.

“We understand that the burden of responsibility falls on our shoulders (…) I will use this power you have given me following only one principle: the good of Israel, the good of the people of Israel,” Bennett said overnight.

«It’s time to heal the wounds, to overcome the differences “he added without specifying his intentions.

For his part, Lapid may try to side with either Bennett or the Arab lawmakers who are hostile to Netanyahu.

Consultations

The fourth election in two years looked like a referendum on Netanyahu himself, who is being tried on charges of “corruption” but was also the architect of Israel’s massive vaccination campaign against covid-19.

But after three rallies, analysts expected a kind “Electoral fatigue” and they were not wrong: the election commission announced that the turnout was 67.2%, a decrease of 4.3 points compared to the previous elections in March 2020.

The final results of the elections will be announced on Friday.

Then comes the Jewish Passover celebration, and then President Reuven Rivlin will ask lawmakers to choose the candidate who can garner the most seats in parliament to lead the next government.