Israeli election to test Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to hold power

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1. 1h ago

   Israel Election Ends in Deadlock as Netanyahu and Eisenkot Blocs Neck

   Israel faces a potential political deadlock following a parliamentary election that tested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power. Exit polls indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc and the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot are running neck and neck as vote counting continues. The ballot marked the first general election held in Israel since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks, with security, military conscription, judicial reform, and rising living costs dominating the core issues for voters.

   Why it matters

   The election centered heavily on the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing thousands of Israeli expatriates back home to vote in a deeply polarized environment. Arab political parties and emerging political upstarts could act as decisive kingmakers in determining whether the opposition can unseat the incumbent leader. The race exposes profound societal divisions over national security and governance following the conflict that began in late 2023.

   What is confirmed

   • Israel held its general election, marking the first parliamentary vote since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
   • Exit polls indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc and the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot are neck and neck.
   • The election results have produced no clear winner, leaving Israel facing the prospect of political deadlock.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad flew in to participate in the vote.

   What to watch next

   • Final vote count results and official seat allocations
   • Potential coalition negotiations involving Arab parties and political upstarts
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. www.iranintl.com — صفحه اصلی | Iran International
   2. www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
   3. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Saudi Arabia Turns To Iran Amid Houthi Strikes, Dealing Trump A Major Gulf Blow? - Times of India Videos
   4. www.nine.com.au — Maricarmen death: 87-year-old woman whose eviction shook Spain dies in hospital | Nine.com.au
   5. Reuters — Disenchanted Netanyahu supporters are prize of Israel election campaign
   6. AP News — Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad are expected to fly in for pivotal vote
   7. The Washington Post — Netanyahu casts Arab parties as a threat. They could be key to his defeat.
   8. The New York Times — How Israel's Election Could Unfold
   9. CBS News — Israeli election to test Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to hold power
   10. CNN — Israel is holding its most important election in years. Here’s what’s at stake
   11. WSJ — The Push to Oust Netanyahu Draws Thousands of Israeli Expats Home to Vote
   12. The Telegraph — Benjamin Netanyahu is destroying the case for a Jewish homeland
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