According to the preliminary results of Israel’s parliamentary elections, the right-wing and religious coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured 54 seats but has failed to obtain the majority required in the 120-member parliament.
With nearly 78 per cent of the votes counted, Netanyahu’s coalition has won 54 seats, while the opposition coalition, led by his rival Gadi Eisenkot, has secured 49 seats.
According to Reuters, Netanyahu called for the formation of a strong right-wing national government while addressing his supporters at the headquarters of his Likud party in Jerusalem.
Although the preliminary results show that Netanyahu’s coalition has failed to secure a parliamentary majority, his opponents have also been unable to form a clear majority capable of ending his rule. The opposition would need the support of Arab parties to achieve this, but forming such a broad coalition is considered difficult.
Meanwhile, some residents of Gaza and Lebanon have little hope that Israel’s election results will bring about any significant changes.
Majid Jundiya, a displaced Palestinian in Gaza, said he saw no fundamental difference between Netanyahu and his rival, Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander.
“They want to eliminate the Palestinians so that they can do whatever they want,” he said.
Netanyahu has previously faced severe criticism over security failures that allowed Hamas to carry out its attacks.
Meanwhile, Kamel Haddad, an 81-year-old Lebanese resident who has witnessed Israel’s conflicts with neighbouring countries over several decades, does not expect the election results to bring about any positive change.
He said it made no difference to him who won Israel’s elections. In his view, the country’s political leaders might temporarily shift their attention away from regional affairs as they grapple with domestic challenges.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
