Netanyahu claims right wing must govern after polls close

Israel held legislative elections on Tuesday, with polls closing across the country to determine the next government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed supporters at his Likud party headquarters in West Jerusalem hours after the voting ended. He argued that a right-wing government is necessary to guarantee the nation's long-term security. Netanyahu stated that Israel cannot rely on coalitions with Arab parties that oppose its existence.

Early counts indicate a fragmented parliament. With more than half of ballots tallied, The Times of Israel projected that Netanyahu's bloc would secure 56 seats. Gadi Eisenkot's alliance is projected to win 49 seats. Neither bloc is expected to reach the 61 seats required for a governing majority. Likud is on track to win an estimated 27 seats, while Eisenkot's Yashar party is projected to take 21, according to Israeli Channels 12 and 13. This gives Likud the largest single party representation in the Knesset.

Netanyahu acknowledged that final results are one or two days away. He cited his achievements since assuming office in 2022 as evidence of his leadership. The prime minister listed the elimination of Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He also pointed to the establishment of security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Netanyahu claimed these actions removed an immediate existential threat and weakened the Iranian regime.

The prime minister described the current moment as a historical opportunity. He said Israel could work with United States President Donald Trump to eliminate the threat of Iran permanently. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York, noted that the party with the most seats may need to form an uncomfortable coalition. Pinkas added that opposition voters would likely resist any deal with Netanyahu's bloc.

Analysts offered mixed assessments of the prime minister's tone. Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst, said Netanyahu attempted to project a brave face regarding his party's prospects. Bishara noted that Likud's projected 27 seats represent its lowest count since 2009. Dan Perry, another political analyst, stated that Netanyahu used his speech to spin the situation favorably after exit polls were released. The final seat counts are expected within the next 48 hours.