Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and political rival Gadi Eisenkot face weeks of political fighting over the country’s premiership following yesterday’s election.
The nail-bitingly close historical poll results were in today and show neither Netanyahu’s Likud coalition nor Gadi’s Yashar-led opposition bloc won enough seats for a victory.
Although voter turnout stood at a staggering 77.7% — the highest in almost 30 years — the result was predictably indecisive with the main parties almost running neck and neck.
Close Result Leaves No Clear Winner
Netanyahu’s Likud Party and the coalition that supports it appear to have just clinched more seats than Eisenkot’s Yashar opposition bloc.
It is now the job of President Isaac Herzog to task somebody with forming a new government, depending on the poll results and who is able to form a coalition.
Convention suggests that if Netanyahu’s party Likud has secured marginally more seats than Eisenkot’s opposition party Yashar but not the 61 needed, he will lead the way.
Coalition Negotiations Ahead
It means Likud will likely be the first to try and form alliances with Arab parties, although Herzog, who is no friend of Netanyahu, could choose Yashar if he wishes.
First Herzog will have to speak to Knesset factions about their intentions in relation to forming a coalition with either Likud or Yashar and then make a decision.
Weeks of jockeying to form a coalition could follow with both parties forced to negotiate and make promises to former political enemies.
Leaders Stake Out Positions
The situation is made more complex by Netanyahu being able to argue he has the stronger position with more party seats.
He said: "The right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public, among the Jewish public and all those who support the Jewish state. That is what has become clear. A decisive majority."
Whereas Eisenkot has argued that by not giving Netanyahu a decisive victory Israel has called for a new government to replace the wily political veteran.
He said: "The public has chosen change. The coalition of failure has lost the people's trust. The Israeli public voted against Benjamin Netanyahu continuing as prime minister."
Netanyahu has replied that right-wing parties have won a “decisive majority” among the Zionist public and called for the formation of a “national right-wing government”.
Palestinian Parties Gain Ground
Although in the short-term little is about to change for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, politically Palestinians have made gains during these elections.
Eisenkot may have to work with Palestinian groups to achieve the required majority.
Israel’s new Knesset will see the increased representation of Palestinian parties, which are projected to scoop up to 18 seats, an increase from ten.
And it means Eisenkot will have to sit down with them.
