Partial count points to coalition deadlock
JERUSALEM, OCT 28 (PTI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc remained short of a parliamentary majority as the latest partial election count gave it 53 seats, against 48 for the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, while Arab-led parties were projected to win 19 seats, leaving the formation of the next government uncertain.
According to local media reports citing the Central Elections Committee (CEC), 93 per cent of ordinary ballots had been counted, accounting for 85.6 per cent of the total votes.
At least 61 seats are required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
Eisenkot’s bloc and the Arab-led parties together have 67 seats in the current count, potentially giving them enough parliamentary support to form a government if they can overcome their political differences.
However, the prospect of such a government remains uncertain. Netanyahu has opposed relying on Arab-led parties, while opposition figures have differed over whether to include them in a coalition or depend on their support from outside.
The CEC said the remaining seven per cent of ordinary ballots required additional oversight.
Local media, citing the CEC, reported that about 600,000 double-envelope ballots also remained to be counted.