Israelis await final election results as difficult choices lie ahead

Jerusalem — Israelis are eagerly awaiting the final election results to determine the political landscape. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies appear to be short of a majority in the parliament, as do the parties aiming to challenge his leadership. The path ahead is uncertain, with potential alliances between Jewish and Arab parties or some parties that campaigned against Netanyahu reconsidering their stance.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu retains control of the government. Final results may emerge as early as Thursday evening once around half a million absentee ballots from military personnel, diplomats, prisoners, and hospital patients are tallied. However, these late ballots are unlikely to drastically alter the outcome. Local media's projections currently stand at 53 seats for Netanyahu's faction, 48 for the opposition, and 19 for Arab-led parties, all of which also seek to remove Netanyahu from power.

Demonstrations have been organized in support of forming a coalition with Arab-led parties. Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's chief rival and a former military chief, made his first appearance during the election campaign.