Israel election appears to have no clear winner with Netanyahu, opponent Eisenkot far short of majorities

Exit polls from the Israeli election indicate that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alliance nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc has secured a parliamentary majority. CNBC World reports that both blocs are well off the numbers required to form a government. According to Middle East Eye, the two blocs are projected to win 50 and 53 seats respectively, falling short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Different exit polls provided varying projections for the two sides. Live Mint reports that Channel 12 projected 52 seats for Netanyahu’s bloc and 49 for the opposition, while Kan 11 projected a tie at 51 seats each. NDTV also noted that Kan 11 and Channel 13 exit polls projected both rival blocs to win 51 seats each. Live Mint further noted that Pollster Direct projected 55 seats for Netanyahu’s bloc and Channel 14 projected 60.

Arab parties are projected to see significant representation, with NDTV reporting they won about 18 seats and Middle East Eye reporting that the Joint List and Ra’am are projected to win a combined 17 seats. Malay Mail reports that voter turnout reached nearly 78 per cent, the highest since 1999. Following the results, Eisenkot vowed to work quickly to form a government, stating that the public has voted for change.

Brief written by urgent.news from CNBC World, NDTV, Live Mint, Malay Mail, Middle East Eye — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.