Israel's inconclusive election leaves blocs seeking majority

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 22:39 · Archive

Israel's election produced no clear winner, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition securing the 61 seats needed to govern the 120-seat parliament.

Israel's final election results confirmed neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition 'change bloc' led by Gadi Eisenkot won enough seats to form a government alone. Netanyahu's Likud party and its ultra-nationalist and Jewish orthodox religious partners secured 53 seats, while Eisenkot's opposition coalition won 48 seats. The 120-seat Knesset requires 61 seats for a majority.

Netanya's Likud accounted for 27 of his coalition's 53 seats, with the remaining 26 coming from ultra-nationalist and Jewish orthodox religious partners. President Isaac Herzog will decide which political bloc is most likely to successfully form a coalition government. Political parties have until 18 November to file complaints challenging the vote count, with the formal result submitted to Herzog on Wednesday.

Analysts suggested Herzog would likely initially approach Eisenkot, as Israeli law and precedent favour asking the party leader with the most endorsements from other leaders to attempt coalition-building first. Netanyahu will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. The inconclusive outcome means weeks of uncertainty ahead as various political blocs attempt to negotiate a governing majority, with the possibility of another election if negotiations fail.

How it is being reported

• Analysis: Lebanon expects more of same from Israel after its electionsDespite Israel's inconclusive elections and the absence of a clear political winner, Lebanon doesn't anticipate a significant shift in Israeli policy.UPI · 30 Oct, 20:01
• Israel Election: Uncertainy ahead as final result confirms no clear winnerThe inconclusive outcome from the final vote count in Israel means weeks of uncertainty as rival political blocs attempt to form a governing majority.UPI · 30 Oct, 16:06
• Israelis await final election results as difficult choices lie aheadIsraelis awaited the final election results on Thursday to confirm what appeared to be taking shape: neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies nor the array of parties seeking to oust him seemed likely to secure a majority of seats in parliament. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali reports from Jerusalem.France 24 · 29 Oct, 12:59

In this story: Benjamin Netanyahu · Gadi Eisenkot · Isaac Herzog · Israel · Likud · Knesset

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