Netanyahu set to lose majority in Israel polls

Netanyahu set to lose majority in Israel polls

TEL AVIV, Sept. 18, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz gives a speech during a rally with supporters in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sept. 17, 2019. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Sep 18 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is projected to have failed to muster a majority in a tough election that saw a virtual tie between Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and a centre-left grouping that would be led by former military chief Benny Gantz.

On Wednesday local TV channels projected Netanyahu trailing his rival Benny Gantz by just one seat, following a re-run general election.

Both Netanyahu and Gantz have said they can form a government, even though projections give neither man a majority in the new Parliament.

With 92 per cent of votes counted, the Prime Minister's Likud party is set to take a total of 32 seats, with its right-wing and ultra-Orthodox allies winning a further 24 seats, falling short of the 61 seats required for a majority in Israel's 120-seat legislature, media reports said.

Cobbling together a coalition would be key to forming a government, so, it might take days or weeks before it becomes clear whether the politician, admired by supporters as 'King Bibi' has been dethroned after a decade in power.

The results have raised questions about Netanyahu's political future: he is already facing a possible indictment over corruption charges, and his failure to lead Israel's right-wing camp to victory could further erode his position.

The centrist Blue and White is set to take 32 seats, and two left-wing parties are on course to win a total of 11 seats, media reports said.

--IANS

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