Netanyahu Declares Likud Israel's Largest Party After Exit Polls
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the Likud party the largest in Israel following exit poll results. He asserted that the right-wing bloc holds a decisive majority and called for the formation of a strong national government, while criticizing media outlets for alleged voter manipulation. Netanyahu also spoke of a historic opportunity to eliminate the Iranian threat with U.S. cooperation. Discussions have begun among bloc leaders regarding coalition formation, amidst reports of election day irregularities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Likud the largest party in Israel based on exit poll results.
- Netanyahu called for a strong right-wing national government, criticizing potential reliance on anti-Zionist Arab parties.
- He highlighted a "historic opportunity" with the U.S. to "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all."
- Netanyahu accused media channels of manipulating public opinion and attempting to deter voters.
- Coalition talks have commenced among right-wing bloc leaders to form a government.
- Reports of election day irregularities, including voter tracking and ballot issues, were filed.
Following the release of exit polls indicating the Likud party as the largest in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed supporters at the party's headquarters. He stated, "We are still waiting for the real results. Likud is the largest party in Israel." Netanyahu thanked party members, the Likud slate, ministers, resilient Israelis, and "heroic soldiers," crediting them with "miracles that have changed the Middle East." He asserted that "Iran is weaker than ever, Israel is stronger than ever. We have eliminated an existential threat." He also highlighted a "historic opportunity" for Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump to "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all."
Netanyahu reiterated his criticism of television channels, accusing them of manipulating public opinion and attempting to deter voters. He claimed the preliminary results showed the right-wing bloc holding a "clear, decisive majority" among the Zionist and Jewish population. "We must establish a strong right-wing national government. We must not endanger Israel and create a government relying on anti-Zionist Arab parties that view Hamas as a charity and call our soldiers war criminals," he stated, urging the "Jewish and Zionist majority to come to their senses and unite" for the future of Israel. He concluded with a message of defiance, "We were able to defeat them, and we will defeat them in the future. Do not be afraid, people of Israel, do not be afraid."
Discussions within the bloc have begun, with Netanyahu consulting party leaders on coalition options. According to Walla, the bloc's strategy is based on data from Shlomo Filber, and they are exploring ways to secure a majority, including seeking "defectors." About 90 minutes after the exit polls were released, Netanyahu reportedly ordered all Likud members to cease media interviews. A senior coalition official noted the wide variance in poll results and stated they would await official outcomes, adding that Ofer Winter lost significant ground to the right-wing parties. The official called Winter's claims of a campaign against him "absurd" and a "planning mistake."
On election day, Netanyahu and his wife Sara voted in Jerusalem, with the Prime Minister urging citizens to vote for Israel's future. Defense Minister Israel Katz voted in Moshav Yinon, and Almog Cohen voted in Ofakim, calling on southern residents to vote and prevent the "Muslim Brotherhood" from taking over state institutions. Reports of election violations emerged throughout the day, including claims by Naftali Bennett's Bayahd party that Likud representatives were tracking voters. The Central Elections Committee stated it had no such reports, though a photography incident at a polling station in Moshav Yarhav was stopped. The Likud election integrity headquarters reported 775 unusual incidents in the Arab sector, including voter registration issues and ballot problems. Likud, along with other parties, requested the extension of voting hours, which was supported by Shas, Otzma Yehudit, and Amcha Israel.
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