Netanyahu bloc leads Israeli election count but falls short of majority

Israelans anxiously awaited the final election results on Wednesday as the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared far from defeated. Many voters had delivered a significant rebuke to Netanyahu's far-right government, with the highest turnout in over a quarter-century. Exit polls indicated that there would be no clear victor, and weeks of negotiations lay ahead.

Arab-led parties made a historic showing, but it was unclear if they would form a coalition with the government's opponents, who exit polls suggested would have a majority in the next parliament. The sensitive issues surrounding Palestinians and their descendants remained a significant challenge in Israel. Despite the election outcome, Netanyahu remained defiant, seeking to remain Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

He dismissed the notion of a partnership with Arab parties, considering it treasonous. Netanyahu insisted that they must establish a strong, right-wing, nationalist government and not endanger Israel by relying on anti-Zionist Arab parties. His top challenger, a centrist, remained unnamed in the source.