Israel election deadlock deals blow to Netanyahu, but no clear path for rival to take power
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a setback in the country’s first election since the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, with exit polls showing his bloc locked in a dead heat with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s camp and neither side on c...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Gadi Eisenkot, are locked in a tight race to form a government following Israel's election on October 7, 2023. Both candidates found themselves short of the majority needed to govern, with exit polls predicting around 51 seats for each. Eisenkot, a former military chief and political newcomer, claimed that Netanyahu, who has led the country for decades with a hard-right agenda, had lost the mandate of the people.
In a bid to prevent a unity government, Eisenkot warned Netanyahu against using Israel's security for political gains. Despite the close contest, Eisenkot vowed to form a government and work towards a more inclusive atmosphere, while Netanyahu called for a "strong government of the right" and hinted at a potential third bombing campaign against Iran.
The election, marked by record-high turnout, also saw a surge in Arab Israeli voter participation, leading to significant gains for Arab parties.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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