Breaking
Exit polls from Israeli elections show the opposition change bloc (Gush Shinui) with a narrow lead over Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with neither side securing the required 61 Knesset seats for a majority. Multiple polling institutes (11, 12, and 13) project Likud remains the single largest party, but the change bloc leads overall.
Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz’s Democratic Party, along with Gadi Eisenkot’s Eshel party, have called for forming a ‘change government’ and replacing Netanyahu. Eisenkot stated: “If these are the results, it is complete no-confidence in the government and a victory for the centrist-Zionist majority in Israel.”
Arab parties Ra’am and Joint List surged dramatically, projected to win 17-19 seats combined compared to their previous five seats each, reflecting exceptionally high turnout among Arab voters. However, change bloc leaders have rapidly dismissed any partnership with Arab parties, creating complications for coalition negotiations.
The results represent a significant political shift, though final seat distribution and actual coalition formation remain unclear pending official election results and ongoing negotiations.
Sources: Ynet, www.israelhayom.co.il, Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Walla
Update 21:32: Developing story from election day results
Update 22:45: Ongoing election night coverage – initial results and exit polls
