Netanyahu and Likud pull ahead in third attempt at Israeli elections By Phillip A. Howard
Israel held two elections within a matter of months in 2019, creating significant political turmoil. This week Israel held its third election in a year. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once again, has claimed victory.
Likud gained 36 seats in the 120-seat Knesset with allied parties earning 22 additional seats.
The opposition party, Blue and White, gained 32 seats. Netanyahu called his win a “huge victory,” though he is still short of the 61-seat majority needed to form a government.
Photo from CNN
Netanyahu promised to build “a strong and stable government” following his “victory against all odds,”
Netanyahu may face a tougher struggle building a coalition than last year, having to convince three legislators to join with him, instead of one.
Benny Gantz, leader of the opposition party Blue and White, expressed “disappointment” with the results of the election, and disputed the results.
Photo by Noam Revkin
Both sides agree that a fourth election must be avoided at all costs.
“At the end of the day,” stated Jonathan Urich, a spokesman for Netanyahu, “whoever decides to prevent a fourth round of elections and take part in forming a government will not be seen as a traitor.”
Netanyahu also faces a challenge in his corruption trial, set to begin in two weeks.
Blue and White has been trying to push through a law to prevent prime ministers from serving if they are facing a trial, generating additional intrigue.
Phillip Howard is a graduate student at Utica College
