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Netanyahu's coalition leads in Israeli election but faces majority challenge
With roughly half of votes counted in Israel's recent election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc has emerged as the leading political force, though it remains unclear whether the coalition can secure the parliamentary majority needed to form a government.
LSN Thailand ·
Netanyahu's right-wing and religious alliance has maintained its lead as election officials continued tallying ballots, reflecting strong support among his base despite ongoing legal challenges facing the prime minister. The results suggest voters have opted to keep Netanyahu in power, yet the arithmetic for assembling a governing coalition remains uncertain as final counts proceed.
Israeli elections require a 61-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset to form a government. Netanyahu's bloc, which includes several right-wing and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, appears positioned as the largest parliamentary force but preliminary projections indicate the coalition may struggle to reach the critical threshold depending on final vote distributions.
The election reflects Israel's deepening political polarization, with voters choosing between Netanyahu's continuity and opposition blocs seeking to remove him from office. Exit polls and partial returns suggest the electorate has prioritized security concerns and economic issues over calls for Netanyahu's departure.
Final official results are expected within days as election authorities complete their count. Coalition negotiations typically begin immediately after provisional results are declared, with potential coalition partners likely to demand concessions including ministerial positions and policy concessions before agreeing to join any government.
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his official portrait, February 2023. Avi Ohayon / Government Press Office of Israel via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).