Exit polls predict narrow win for former Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Exit polls by all the leading Israeli TV channels on Wednesday following the fifth general elections in the country in less than four years predicted a comeback for former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led right-wing bloc.

The exit polls were broadcast soon after polling booths closed at 10 PM local time on Tuesday.
However, official results are not expected until late Wednesday. The process of forming the government could drag on for weeks.

According to the Central Elections Committee, voter turnout was 71.3 per cent in the election, the highest since 2015.

The exit polls saw pro-Netanyahu bloc winning 61-62 seats in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament), just about making the magical figure that would see him making a comeback after losing power following March 2019 polls.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid led bloc was put at 54-55 seats as per the exit polls. Public broadcaster Kan and Channel 12 gave the Netanyahu-led bloc 62 seats, while Channel 12 put it at 61.

Reacting to the exit polls, Netanyahu said, “It’s a good start, that’s all I can say right now.” However, he added cautiously, “It depends on the real count.” Israel has been locked in an unprecedented period of political stalemate since 2019, when 73-year-old Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving leader was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

On Tuesday, Israelis voted for an unprecedented fifth time in four years to break the political impasse that has paralysed the country.

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