Exit polls give Israel's opposition bloc a narrow lead
Exit polls in Israel's parliamentary election put the anti-Netanyahu bloc on 52–53 seats against about 50 for the prime minister's allies. Neither side reaches the 61 seats needed for a majority.
Opposition supporters in Tel Aviv celebrated on election day in Israel after the first exit polls showed a narrow lead for the bloc opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The projections are preliminary, but they may shape who forms the next government in the coming weeks.
According to the exit polls, the anti-Netanyahu bloc would win 52–53 seats, while the prime minister's allies would take about 50. Neither bloc reaches the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel's parliament.
Party results
Likud, Netanyahu's party, remains the largest single party with 24–25 seats. Yashar, the party led by Gadi Eisenkot, is projected second with 21–23 seats.
As the projections appeared on giant screens, Eisenkot's supporters chanted “Bibi, go home!” and “Who’s coming? The next prime minister!” Eisenkot declared victory and said the results gave him the first right to try to form a government.
Celebrations in Tel Aviv
Elsewhere in Tel Aviv, activists from the Pink Front movement gathered at Habima Square. They waved their trademark pink heart flags, waded into the reflecting pool and toasted with sparkling wine as the first results came in.
At the Yashar rally was Ohad Ben Ami, a former hostage held by Hamas and an honorary candidate on the party's list. He criticised the government's handling of negotiations and argued that the captives had been abandoned.
The projections remain preliminary, and weeks of coalition negotiations are expected before a prime minister is confirmed.
