Likud Prepares for Victory Declaration Amidst Unity Government Talks

The Likud party is preparing for a scenario where it emerges as the largest party in the Knesset, even if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc does not secure a majority to form a government. Internal party assessments suggest Netanyahu might declare victory early and call for a broad unity government led by him if neither bloc can form a coalition. Channel 12 reported that Likud headquarters was bracing for the possibility of Netanyahu's bloc winning an equal number of seats to Gadi Eisenkot's bloc, or losing by a few seats. Current estimates indicate Netanyahu's campaign may have successfully drawn votes from within the right-wing bloc, strengthening Likud at the expense of its allies, but not guaranteeing a majority for any side.

In such a situation, Likud officials anticipate Netanyahu will address the media, claim victory based on leading in seat count, and extend an invitation to "Zionist parties" to join a "broad unity government" to confront "challenges facing us." These scenarios are considered preliminary, with the final picture expected only after polls close.

Meanwhile, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog will exercise his authority to task a candidate with forming a government, considering the potential for coalition building rather than just seat numbers. Herzog aims to avoid further elections, which he deems the worst outcome, and seeks to form a stable, broad government. The report suggests that if coalition formation falters, Herzog might push for a unity government, potentially reviving efforts to resolve Netanyahu's trial and allow him to hold a ministerial position. A potential military confrontation with Iran after the elections is not expected to halt the mandate process, with Herzog anticipated to continue even during wartime, possibly conducting consultations remotely.

The Central Elections Committee Chairman, Judge Noam Sohlberg, is expected to present final results within eight days, after which the mandate process will begin. The President's office stated they are not engaging with speculation about the mandate process and will exercise their legal discretion once results are announced.

Voter turnout was high, reaching 74.3% by 8 PM, an increase from the 2022 elections. An exit poll compiler for Kan 11 mentioned an unexpected surprise in the sample, with results to be released after polls close. Previous reports indicated Likud's readiness to declare victory and seek the mandate even without a majority if opposing parties failed to form a coalition, and to prevent the opposition from controlling Knesset institutions. Disagreements persist within the anti-Netanyahu bloc regarding leadership and coalition options, including Lieberman's refusal to join a minority government reliant on Arab party support, complicating potential coalition formations.