Netanyahu Claims Likud Victory Amid Calls for Resignation
Benjamin Netanyahu claims Likud is Israel's largest party following Knesset elections, while rival Avigdor Lieberman demands his resignation to rebuild the national camp.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday night that initial exit polls confirm the Likud party is the largest in Israel. Speaking at the Likud Party headquarters in Jerusalem, Netanyahu asserted that the right-wing bloc holds an overwhelming majority and called for the establishment of a strong national right-wing government. He argued that Israel must not rely on parties he characterized as anti-Zionist, claiming such groups oppose the state's existence.
Netanyahu also highlighted a historic opportunity to work with U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the existential threat posed by Iran. According to the Central Elections Committee, over 5.6 million of the 7.3 million eligible voters participated in the election for the 26th Knesset. Partial results as of Wednesday morning indicate the Likud-led bloc is outperforming opposition parties.
In contrast, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, called for Netanyahu's resignation and urged the Likud party to remove him from power. Speaking at his party headquarters on October 27, Lieberman stated that Netanyahu's departure is necessary to rebuild the national camp. Lieberman also expressed skepticism regarding the accuracy of the exit polls, questioning if they reflect the true results of the election.
