Analysis-Israel's election gives survivor Netanyahu a path to keep power

Jerusalem — It appears Benjamin Netanyahu will maintain his role as Israel's caretaker prime minister following a surprising surge in support from Jewish voters. Although his opponents might have initially appeared poised to replace him, Netanyahu's right-wing coalition experienced a significant setback as it lost its majority in the Knesset.

As of Wednesday, with approximately 86% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc has garnered 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, clearly leading over Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc, which secured 48 seats. Notably, the parties representing Arab Israelis are projected to secure 19 seats, a first, making it unlikely for Eisenkot to form a government without their support, which most Jewish political leaders are opposed to.

While the final vote count may still vary, Eisenkot's coalition, comprising various political spectra from the center-left to the hard right, has not met the expectations set by pre-election forecasts, which predicted a closely contested race. Consequently, Netanyahu will continue serving as caretaker prime minister until coalition negotiations are concluded, potentially until the next election next year.