Israel polls closed: What to expect as exit polls show no clear majority

Exit polls show no majority

Israel’s election ended Tuesday with an apparent deadlock, according to exit polls released by major television networks. The projections showed neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, on course to command a majority.

The polls put Netanyahu’s bloc at 50 seats and the opposition at 52 or 53. Arab parties were projected to win 17 or 18 seats; 61 seats are required for a parliamentary majority.

Arab parties may hold influence

The projected strength of Arab-led parties could give them a role in determining who becomes prime minister, if other parties agree to work with them. Both main blocs had so far rejected partnering with them. Mansour Abbas, leader of the Islamist Ra’am party, said while voting was underway that his side’s vote would change the government.

Campaign tensions over voting

Before voting began, the US president restated his full support for Netanyahu, describing him as strong, brave and brilliant in the face of opposition. Netanyahu also warned that Arab parties were receiving major support and turning out in unprecedented numbers.

Likud, Netanyahu’s right-wing party, asked to keep polling places open past 10 p.m. The election commission rejected the request, saying there was no justification; Eisenkot opposed the extension and urged voters to disregard what he called Netanyahu’s scare tactics.

Ben-Gvir warns of outcome

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that Mansour Abbas would lead the government if Netanyahu and his allies did not win. Ben-Gvir is known for taunting Palestinian detainees and has said some Palestinians in Gaza are not people.