Parliamentary elections in Israel have not produced a clear majority, leaving open the race for formation of the new government between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Gadi Eisenkot.
According to exit polls, the two main blocs are expected to secure 51 mandates, while a 12 Channel survey gives the Netanyah 52 seats to the bloc. At least 61 of the 120 Israeli parliament’s mandates are needed for forming the government, Klankosova broadcasts.tv.
Netanyahu called for the creation of a strong right-wing government, while Eisenkot said voters have rejected continuing the prime minister’s mandate and urged him to leave politics.
Arab parties may influence negotiations on the coalition, but Eisenkot has almost completely ruled out the possibility of co-operation with them.
Voter turnout reached 77.7 per cent, the highest rate in more than two decades, according to the Central Election Commission.
Final results are expected to be released Thursday or Friday. If no camp secures the majority, Israel could face long political negotiations or new elections.