Exit polls: Netanyahu, hard-line allies win narrow majority in Israeli election
Source: Washington Post
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 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 Israel’s 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. Netanyahu’s 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 Netanyahu’s four-year term.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/as-israel-votes-few-people-are-talking-about-peace-with-the-palestinians/2013/01/21/7c58b01c-6434-11e2-889b-f23c246aa446_story.html?wpisrc=al_national
This is a narrower majority then expected. Hopefully the new government in Israel will be more moderate.
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