Benjamin Netanyahu Projected to Remain Israel Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to lead Israel's next government after his right-wing alliance won the most seats in the October 28 elections.
Early results from the October 28 elections indicate that Benjamin Netanyahu will likely remain Israel's prime minister. With 86 percent of votes counted, Netanyahu's alliance of right-wing, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox parties is projected to win 53 seats in the 120-member parliament, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot is expected to secure 48 seats.
Although Netanyahu lost his narrow parliamentary majority, the opposition faces significant hurdles in forming a government because it would require the support of Arab-led parties, who won an unprecedented 19 seats. Netanyahu will serve as a caretaker prime minister while coalition talks proceed.
Following the results, Netanyahu called for the formation of a right-wing government and proposed joint military action against Iran alongside U.S. President Donald Trump. The political uncertainty triggered immediate economic volatility, causing the shekel to weaken by 1.6 percent and Tel Aviv stock indexes to drop by more than 3 percent.
