MaxShimba
Platinum Member
- Apr 11, 2008
- 36,008
- 4,093
JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud Party emerged as the largest faction in a hotly contested parliamentary election on Tuesday, positioning the hard-liner to serve a new term as prime minister, according to exit polls. But a lackluster performance by Likud, along with surprising gains by a centrist newcomer, raised the strong possibility that he will be forced to form a broad coalition.
The exit polls aired on Israels three major TV stations all forecast Likud along with its traditional hardline and religious allies, capturing a shaky majority of just 61 or 62 seats in the 120-member parliament. With official results trickling in throughout the night, it was possible that the two sides could end in deadlock. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Netanyahu said he would reach across the aisle and try to form a broad-based coalition.
According to the exit polls, it is clear that Israel citizens decided that they want me to continue to serve as prime minister of Israel, and that I form the widest possible majority (coalition), he said. Already this evening I will begin working toward the widest possible government.
Such a scenario would have deep implications for Mideast peace prospects. Netanyahus centrist opponents have said they would not join his government if he does not make a serious push for peace with the Palestinians. Peace talks have been deadlocked throughout Netanyahus four-year term.
Read more: Exit polls: Netanyahu, hard-line allies win narrow majority in Israeli election - The Washington Post
The exit polls aired on Israels three major TV stations all forecast Likud along with its traditional hardline and religious allies, capturing a shaky majority of just 61 or 62 seats in the 120-member parliament. With official results trickling in throughout the night, it was possible that the two sides could end in deadlock. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Netanyahu said he would reach across the aisle and try to form a broad-based coalition.
According to the exit polls, it is clear that Israel citizens decided that they want me to continue to serve as prime minister of Israel, and that I form the widest possible majority (coalition), he said. Already this evening I will begin working toward the widest possible government.
Such a scenario would have deep implications for Mideast peace prospects. Netanyahus centrist opponents have said they would not join his government if he does not make a serious push for peace with the Palestinians. Peace talks have been deadlocked throughout Netanyahus four-year term.
Read more: Exit polls: Netanyahu, hard-line allies win narrow majority in Israeli election - The Washington Post
