Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud Party won a decisive victory in Israel’s election, but complex negotiations lie ahead before he will be able to form a government.
Exit polls had predicted a much closer result, with some suggesting that the outcome may have been a tie. Israel’s system of proportional representation means that no party has ever won an outright majority, so small parties are required to form coalition governments. This week’s victory gives Netanyahu a “strong chance” of forming a right-wing coalition government, according to the BBC, but difficult negotiations still lie ahead.
Yitzhak Herzog, the head of the centre-left Zionist Union, said “everything is still open” and has made clear that he will still speak to party leaders about forming a government of his own.
All eyes are now on a new centrist party led by former communications minister Moshe Kahlon which “could be the kingmaker” in coalition talks. Kahlon has not ruled out a partnership with either Likud or the Zionist Union.
The exit polls suggested that left-leaning factions had taken 43 seats, while right-wing and religious parties were on 54. Neither figure is enough to form a parliamentary majority and the full results of the election are not expected until later today.
Netanyahu described the result as a “great victory”. If he can take a fourth term in office he could become the longest serving prime minister in Israel’s history.
Addressing supporters last night, Netanyahu said: “Dear friends, against all odds we have achieved a great victory for Likud, for the national camp which is headed by Likud, for our people. I am proud of the Israeli people, who recognised what’s important … and stood up for real security, economy and social welfare, which we are committed to.
“Now we must form a strong and stable government that will care for the security and welfare of all of Israel’s citizens,” he added.
