Israeli Election Results Hazy, Try Again
The voting results are mostly in, and they are less conclusive than everyone hoped or than either side is willing to admit.
The Israeli election results are unclear, leading to more uncertainty. Voters were eager for a clear outcome, either continuing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government or one led by his opponents. In Tel Aviv, supporters of opposition candidates encouraged pedestrians and café-goers to vote against Netanyahu. In Jerusalem, a contrasting message was present, with Netanyahu's prison overseer, Itamar Ben Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich prominently displayed.
Exit polls were absent, and the author observed people avoiding the exit polls, stepping on them, or even disrespecting Smotrich. It was noted that Arab-majority parties would hold 19 out of 120 seats. To form a government, parties could (1) negotiate a unity government, (2) combine Arabs and opposition, or (3) combine Arabs and Netanyahu's coalition.
If no government forms, another election will occur, and Netanyahu will stay in power. Deals between parties will be made to reach one of these scenarios, each requiring sacrifices from parties. The opposition might have to compromise on not voting for anyone but Netanyahu. Scenario (2) involves opposition cooperation with Arab parties, but this is met with varying levels of enthusiasm.
Scenario (3) sees Netanyahu collaborating with Arab parties, which is highly improbable. All scenarios demand difficult compromises, and Arab parties are likely to be crucial partners in the opposition's quest to remove Netanyahu.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
