Netanyahu Bloc Leads in Israeli Election as Half of Votes Counted
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc is leading with 55 mandates after nearly half the votes were counted in Israel's 26th Knesset elections, with Gadi Eisenkot's bloc at 50. The interim results, which could still change with the counting of double envelopes, show the Likud as the largest party. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the narrowing gap, suggesting a potential Netanyahu victory. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot delivered speeches addressing the outcomes and future government formations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's bloc leads with 55 mandates after nearly half of votes are counted in Israel's election.
- Gadi Eisenkot's bloc trails with 50 mandates, while Arab parties hold 15 seats.
- The Likud party is currently the largest single party with 27 projected mandates.
- An estimated 650,000 double envelopes remain to be counted, potentially shifting the results.
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the election, noting a narrowing gap.
- Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot delivered speeches addressing the interim results and future government.
With nearly half of the votes counted in Israel's 26th Knesset elections, Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc is leading with an estimated 55 mandates, while Gadi Eisenkot's bloc trails with 50, and Arab parties hold 15. The results represent a shift from initial exit polls, with the Likud party currently leading with 27 mandates. The Israeli Shekel weakened significantly following the release of these interim results.
Among the individual parties, the Likud is projected to receive 27 seats, Yesh Atid 22, the Joint List 11, and United Torah Judaism 8. Other parties like Yisrael Beiteinu, Shas, and Religious Zionism also secured seats. The results are still subject to change, particularly with the counting of an estimated 650,000 double envelopes cast by voters away from home, including reservists and evacuees, which could represent up to 15 mandates.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the developing results, noting a dramatic narrowing of the gap and suggesting a potential victory for Netanyahu. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, quoted an unnamed source stating that his endorsement of Netanyahu turned the tide from a potential crushing defeat to a dramatic tie or even a win.
Following the initial results, Gadi Eisenkot addressed his supporters, declaring historical change and urging Netanyahu to step down, stating the current coalition had lost the public's trust. However, as more results came in, his bloc's lead appeared to diminish. Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking in Jerusalem, celebrated the Likud being the largest party and called for the "Zionist forces" to unite to ensure Israel's future. He also signaled his intention to maintain his current coalition partners for the next government.
Netanyahu expressed concern about the possibility of the opposing bloc forming a minority government with the abstention of Arab parties, launching a campaign against the legitimacy of such a move. He described it as a "shame" and drew a line against such a possibility, setting a clear boundary for his rival, Eisenkot.
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