Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are locked in a deadlock after the country's general election, with neither securing the 61 seats needed to form a government. Final results are expected by Thursday or Friday, according to reports from Israeli media. Exit polls suggest a close race between Netanyahu's bloc and the main opposition, with neither side achieving a majority.
Voters delivered a mixed verdict, with Netanyahu's coalition leading after 50% of votes were counted but still falling short of a majority. Exit polls indicate no outright winner, with both Netanyahu and Gallant's factions tied in the race for power. The election has highlighted deep divisions within Israeli society, with public opinion split between support for Netanyahu's right-wing policies and growing calls for reform.
This deadlock follows weeks of political uncertainty, with Netanyahu facing increasing pressure to step down after years in power. His coalition, which has dominated Israeli politics for over a decade, now faces the challenge of forming a government without a clear majority. The outcome will determine the direction of Israeli policy, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict with Palestine. With no clear winner, coalition negotiations are expected to drag on, potentially leading to a new government formed through compromise.
