Kochi: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc in Israel is leading in 54 seats against 49 by centrist former military chief Gadi Eisenkot after 84.5% of ballot boxes were counted by 12:34 pm.
Arab-led parties secured 17 seats, giving speculation of the opposition groups joining them to form a majority and end Netanyahu’s rule, media reports said.
Netanyahu has rejected the prospect of forming a government dependent on Arab parties.
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“We must establish a strong, right-wing, nationalist government,” Netanyahu said early Wednesday.
Eisenkot is willing to work with Arab-led parties under certain conditions, like recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and branding Hamas an extremist group. Some potential partners are against working with such an alliance.
Bibi up in Israel polls
