EPA
News from the NOS••Modified
According to the exit polls, the Likud party of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 31 of the 120 seats in parliament in the Israeli elections. With its right-wing political bloc, it is estimated at 61 or 62 seats. This is hardly enough for a majority.
According to the exit polls, Netanyahu scores better than his rival, current Prime Minister Yair Lapid. With his political bloc, there would be 54 or 55 seats.
The exit polls were published shortly after polling stations closed at 21:00 Dutch time. All votes will be counted over the next few days. The final result could take another week.
Return
According to the exit polls, the far-right bloc of settler Itamar Ben-Gvir has become the third party in the country. Ben-Gvir could count on a ministerial post in a right-wing government with Netanyahu.
If the exit polls come out, it means that corruption suspect Netanyahu will most likely return as prime minister. Netanyahu, 73, was prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and later also from 2009 to 2021.
“We have gained tremendous trust from the people of Israel,” Netanyahu told his supporters. “We are on the verge of a great victory”.
Fifth elections in four years
It was Israel’s fifth election in four years. Israelis were assumed to be tired of the elections, but this time there was probably the highest turnout in years.
The elections were called after the fall of the Lapid government. His motley coalition often disagreed and lost a narrow majority in parliament earlier this year.
