Israeli Party Leaders React to Exit Poll Results
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Israeli opposition leaders declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc defeated based on exit poll results for the 26th Knesset elections. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it a "heavy defeat" and "complete collapse." Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged caution, noting Likud is the largest party. The formation of a new government remains uncertain as opposition parties may not reach the 61-seat majority needed, despite potential support from Arab parties.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Opposition leaders declared Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc defeated based on exit poll results for the 26th Knesset elections.
- Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the exit poll results a "heavy defeat" and "complete collapse" for Netanyahu's bloc.
- Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cautioned against premature celebrations, stating Likud is the largest party.
- Gadi Eisenkot pledged to implement the people's will by replacing Netanyahu's government quickly.
- Arab parties are projected to gain 17-18 mandates, but their coalition role is uncertain.
- Formation of the next government remains uncertain as parties may not reach the 61-seat majority.
- Yoaz Hendel's Miluimnikim Party reportedly failed to pass the electoral threshold in exit polls.
Leaders of Israeli opposition parties viewed the exit poll results for the 26th Knesset elections as a decisive defeat for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Conversely, representatives of the ruling bloc urged caution, awaiting the official election outcomes. Opposition leader Yair Lapid declared a "heavy defeat" and a "complete collapse" for Netanyahu's bloc, stating that the public clearly indicated it was time for them to leave office. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar Party, interpreted the initial exit poll findings as a sign of distrust towards Netanyahu and his government, particularly concerning responsibility for the events of October 7th. Eisenkot pledged to "immediately begin implementing the will of the people" by replacing the current government with a Zionist one as soon as possible. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cautioned against premature celebrations by the left, emphasizing that Likud remains the largest party. Yousef Jabareen, chairman of the United Arab List, commented on the projected increase in representation for Arab parties to 17-18 mandates, asserting that a "far-right government will not be able to continue its policies." Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Miluimnikim Party, whose party reportedly failed to pass the electoral threshold in all four exit polls, called for patience until the official results, including soldier votes, are counted. Hendel stated that his party would not give up and would continue to fight for its goals. Despite the opposition's lead in the exit polls, the formation of the next government remains uncertain. A parliamentary majority requires 61 seats. The Zionist opposition parties are projected to win between 43 and 53 seats, while Arab parties could secure an additional 17-18 mandates, though their potential role in a future coalition is unclear.
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