By Islam El-Sakka
Israeli election exit polls revised early Wednesday show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc tied with the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot, with both falling short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority.
Exit Polls Revised to Show Tie
Major television networks updated their initial projections, which had given Eisenkot a slight edge, to reflect a dead heat. Israeli exit polls are frequently adjusted and historically imprecise, with final counts often shifting by several seats.
Both Blocs Fall Short of Majority
The projections indicate neither bloc can form a government without support from Palestinian parties, which are forecast to win up to 18 seats in the 120-member Knesset, a sharp increase from the previous 10.
Palestinian Parties Poised as Kingmakers
Analysts say Eisenkot would likely need to negotiate with the Joint List and Ra’am to attempt a coalition, a process that could take weeks.
Netanyahu and Eisenkot Address Supporters
Netanyahu addressed supporters in Jerusalem after 3 a.m., declaring Likud the largest party and vowing to form a “strong, right-wing national government” that excludes Palestinian parties. Eisenkot told a Tel Aviv rally that voters had rejected Netanyahu’s premiership and warned against using security issues for political gain.
Election Committee Rejects Extended Voting
The Central Elections Committee earlier rejected a last-minute request by Netanyahu and other parties to keep polling stations open past the 10 p.m. deadline. Netanyahu had alleged efforts by the “left and Arabs” to steal the election, a claim the committee dismissed for lack of evidence.
