Netanyahu, rival Gantz deadlocked after polls
The reports were citing elections committee sources, as that level of results had not been officially posted yet.
Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were deadlocked on Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the PM’s long rule.
Various Israeli outlets reported that Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Mr Gantz’s Blue and White took 32 out of a total 120 seats.
But with more than 90 per cent of the vote counted, Mr Gantz’s slim lead gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government.
The reports were citing elections committee sources, as that level of results had not been officially posted yet.
If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Mr Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current one as he faces the possibility of corruption charges in the weeks ahead.
With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Mr Netanyahu spoke before supporters in the early hours of Wednesday and said he was prepared for negotiations to form a “strong Zionist government.”
He seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government, but did not specifically say so.