Netanyahu bloc leads as Israeli votes counted, but no majority

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp secured a lead over his opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot's bloc after two-thirds of the votes were counted in Israel's general election, but neither candidate is projected to obtain a majority. With 66% of ballots already cast, Netanyahu's bloc holds 54 of the 120 parliamentary seats, while Eisenkot's bloc has 48 seats and the non-aligned Arab parties account for 18 seats.

The results indicate that an alliance between Eisenkot's opposition bloc and the Arab parties could achieve a majority, though many Arab lawmakers have expressed reluctance to partner with Netanyahu. Exit polls showed a close race between the two camps, with each winning around 51 seats. Some in Eisenkot's camp, including Yair Golan of the left-wing party in the opposition bloc, have called for forming a government alongside Arab citizens to challenge Netanyahu's nationalist policies.

Netanyahu, who has been in power for nearly two decades, called for a "strong government of the right," emphasizing the need for unity among the Jewish and Zionist majority. The election's outcome remains uncertain, with a possible stalemate leading to more negotiations and possibly new elections if agreements cannot be reached.

The vote came amid heightened international tensions due to ongoing conflicts in Iran and Gaza, as well as increased settlement activity in the West Bank.