Exit polls show both pro- and anti-Netanyahu blocs fall short of majority

'No government can rely on Arab party support,' he says

Netanyahu highlights coordination with Trump, calls Iran threat a 'special opportunity'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to greet supporters in Jerusalem after the first exit poll results were announced Tuesday (local time). [AFP]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to greet supporters in Jerusalem after the first exit poll results were announced Tuesday (local time). [AFP]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Tuesday (local time) to form a "strong right-wing government" as exit polls from the country's general election suggested neither his ruling coalition nor the opposition would secure a parliamentary majority. Arab parties were projected to win more seats than expected, emerging as a pivotal factor in any future coalition negotiations.

According to AFP and Reuters, Netanyahu addressed supporters gathered in Jerusalem after 3 a.m. and said, "We must build a strong right-wing nationalist government," adding that "the Jewish and Zionist majority must unite."

He was unequivocal on one point: "There can be no government that relies on the support of Arab parties."

Netanyahu stopped short of declaring outright victory. He noted only that his Likud party was projected to win more seats than any other single party. AFP said his speech was shorter than usual.

Exit polls released immediately after polls closed Tuesday showed anti-Netanyahu parties held a narrow lead over pro-Netanyahu parties, according to major Israeli broadcasters.

Neither bloc, however, was projected to reach the 61-seat threshold needed for a majority. Some observers have raised the possibility of a snap election if coalition talks collapse. Both Netanyahu and former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot have ruled out joining a coalition with Arab parties, which were projected to win around 18 seats.

Netanyahu also used the occasion to highlight his partnership with US President Donald Trump.

He told reporters that "Israel has a special opportunity, together with our partner US President Donald Trump, to permanently eliminate the existential threat from Iran," AFP said.


mokiya@heraldcorp.com