From Dawn · Reuters | AFP · · 2m
Netanyahu set to remain caretaker prime minister after inconclusive Israeli election
Netanyahu stays caretaker PM as Israeli election results show no clear winner.
In brief
Netanyahu stays caretaker PM as Israeli election results show no clear winner. Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister after inconclusive Israeli election with his bloc winning 53 seats in the Knesset. Originally reported by Dawn.
Election results
Israel's three main broadcasters projected Netanyahu's bloc would win 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, well ahead of rival Gadi Eisenkot's 48 seats.
“With nearly 86 per cent of votes tallied on Wednesday, Israel's three main broadcasters projected Netanyahu's bloc of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties would win 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, well ahead of the 48 for rival Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc.”
Netanyahu's position
Netanyahu looked set to remain Israel's caretaker prime minister despite his right-wing bloc losing its parliamentary majority.
“Benjamin Netanyahu looked set to remain Israel’s caretaker prime minister after unexpectedly strong backing among Jewish voters left his opponents little apparent prospect of unseating him, despite his right-wing bloc losing its parliamentary majority.”
Security stance
Netanyahu called for a strong, right-wing national government and raised prospects of renewed military action against Iran with US President Donald Trump.
“Netanyahu, addressing his Likud party’s faithful after 3am (6am PKT), called for the formation of "a strong, right-wing national government".”
Trump's endorsement
Trump claimed Netanyahu had done "very well" and said his endorsement had "helped him a lot" in the election.
“Trump, who had urged Israeli voters to keep Netanyahu in power so the two leaders could "finish the job" in Iran, said Netanyahu had done "very well" and claimed his endorsement had "helped him a lot".”
Eisenkot's warning
Eisenkot warned Netanyahu he might use security for political ends and called him a caretaker prime minister without a mandate or the people's trust.
“Eisenkot acknowledged that Netanyahu remained caretaker prime minister but warned that he might use security for political ends.”
Market impact
The shekel weakened 1.6pc to 3.10 to the US dollar, and Tel Aviv's stock indexes fell more than 3pc.
“The prospect of a caretaker government without a parliamentary majority weighed on Israeli markets. The shekel currency weakened around 1.6pc to 3.10 to the US dollar. Tel Aviv’s key benchmark stock indexes fell more than 3pc.”
Arab parties
Parties representing Arab Israelis were projected to win an unprecedented 19 seats, leaving Eisenkot without broad backing from Jewish political leaders.
“Parties representing Arab Israelis were projected to win an unprecedented 19 seats, leaving Eisenkot little realistic path to power without their broad backing, which many Jewish political leaders reject.”
Historical context
The election was Israel's first since Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
“The election was Israel’s first since Hamas-led fighters killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in attacks on October 7, 2023, that plunged the country into conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.”
Netanyahu's legal issues
Netanyahu faces war crimes charges from the International Criminal Court in The Hague and corruption charges in Israel.
“Netanyahu himself is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague on war crimes charges he calls absurd, and faces corruption charges in Israel that he dismisses as an establishment plot.”
Turnout
Turnout reached 77.7pc, the highest in more than two decades, with high participation among Israelis of Palestinian descent.
“Turnout reached 77.7pc, the highest in more than two decades, and was particularly high among Israelis of Palestinian descent, who make up more than a fifth of the population.”
Coalition challenges
Eisenkot's bloc would need backing from Arab parties to form a majority, but most members expressed reluctance to do so.
“Earlier, partial results suggested that Eisenkot’s bloc would have enough seats for a majority if it entered into a coalition agreement with the Arab parties, something most of its members expressed reluctance to do on the campaign trail.”
Yair Golan's call
Yair Golan, head of Israel's main left-wing party, called for coalition with Arab citizens to form a government of change.
“Yair Golan, the head of Israel’s main left-wing party, which is part of Eisenkot’s camp, called for precisely that on Wednesday.”
Eisenkot's promise
Eisenkot vowed to create a more inclusive atmosphere, repair international standing, and rein in West Bank settlers.
“Eisenkot said it would be a mistake to hold a second election and vowed to work "swiftly" to form a government.”
Netanyahu's denial
Netanyahu's office rejected reports of clashes with Israeli army chief over Iran-linked operations ahead of election.
“Netanyahu’s office has previously rejected accusations that he is using the Iran conflict for political gain and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.”
Full results
Full results expected by Thursday evening or Friday morning, with Netanyahu remaining caretaker prime minister.
“Full results are expected by Thursday evening or Friday morning.”
At a glance
Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister after inconclusive Israeli election with his bloc winning 53 seats in the Knesset.
