Tie vote? Israel exit polls suggest Netanyahu's bloc pulls even with main rival Eisenkot's bloc
Early results from polls in Israel's first election since Hamas's terror attack in October 2023 showed Tuesday that neither major party is on track to secure the majority in the country's 120-seat Knesset.
Polls have closed in Israel, but the official results have not been released so far. The final results could take several days to come in, according to CNN, and coalition building to form the new government could take weeks because neither party is expected to get a clear majority. Voter turnout was reportedly at its highest in 45 years.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a tough reelection bid amid criticism about security lapses ahead of the attacks and his handling of ensuing wars including those in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
A look at exit polls predict Netanyahu's challengers securing 51 seats in the Knesset, while Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 51 seats, down from 68 in the last election, according to the Associated Press.
The unaligned block of Arab-led parties is projected to win 18 seats.
Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot is the leading Netanyahu challenger. Eisenkot, who served in Netanyahu’s war cabinet before resigning, has argued that the country needs a change in leadership.
Neither leader declared victory in their speeches late Tuesday night, but Netanyahu touted his Likud Party as the "largest party in Israel."
The Israeli leader also thanked members of his party, other government and coalition partners, his wife and children, and Israel’s soldiers in his speech.
"I’d like to thank the creator of the world, who is giving me the power to continue to act for the eternity of Israel and our beloved nation and state – our only state,” he said. “I’d like to say to you, we made it against our enemies and we will form the future … do not be afraid, Israel, do not be afraid. The lion will roar … The people of Israel is alive.”
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