The dissolution bill next heads to a parliamentary committee, giving Gantz and Netanyahu a week or two to try to salvage their troubled alliance.

Israel PM accuses Defence Minister Benny Gantz of coalition agreement violation

Israel appears headed to 4th election within 2 years

Israel's Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, said that his party will vote for the opposition's bill to dissolve the parliament. If this happens, Israel will be one step closer to witnessing fourth election in under two years. Gantz's Blue and White party is the key partner in the current ruling coalition led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The coalition is precarious, and it was formed after three bitterly fought elections between Netanyahu and Gantz. However, these elections failed to produce a clear winner.

Gantz, a former army chief serving as defence minister, said that Netanyahu's refusal to support a budget proposal made clear that the premier wanted to take Israel back to the polls.&nbsp;

In a televised address he said that Blue and White "will vote tomorrow in favour of dissolving the Knesset (Israel's parliament)."&nbsp;

Wednesday's vote on an opposition-backed measure is however preliminary.&nbsp;

If it passes, it will still require at least two additional successful Knesset readings before a new election must be called.

Shortly before Gantz spoke, Netanyahu released a video on Twitter in which he urged Gantz to vote against the measure.&nbsp;

"Now is not the time for elections," Netanyahu said. "Now is the time for unity."

The Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, agreed in April, was in part aimed at providing Israel desperately-needed stability following the worst political crisis in its history and as the coronavirus pandemic was gathering pace.&nbsp;

Netanyahu was to serve as prime minister for the first half of the three year deal, with Gantz taking over in November 2021.&nbsp;

The deal included several provisions that would have automatically triggered the collapse of the coalition, including a failure to pass a budget.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's critics accuse of him of refusing to pass a two-year budget as a tactic to ensure he is not forced to hand over the prime minister's job to Gantz.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Israel's Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, said that his party will vote for the opposition's bill to dissolve the parliament. If this happens, Israel will be one step closer to witnessing fourth election in under two years.

Israel's Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, said that his party will vote for the opposition's bill to dissolve the parliament. If this happens, Israel will be one step closer to witnessing fourth election in under two years. Gantz's Blue and White party is the key partner in the current ruling coalition led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The coalition is precarious, and it was formed after three bitterly fought elections between Netanyahu and Gantz. However, these elections failed to produce a clear winner. Gantz, a former army chief serving as defence minister, said that Netanyahu's refusal to support a budget proposal made clear that the premier wanted to take Israel back to the polls. In a televised address he said that Blue and White "will vote tomorrow in favour of dissolving the Knesset (Israel's parliament)." Wednesday's vote on an opposition-backed measure is however preliminary. If it passes, it will still require at least two additional successful Knesset readings before a new election must be called. Shortly before Gantz spoke, Netanyahu released a video on Twitter in which he urged Gantz to vote against the measure. "Now is not the time for elections," Netanyahu said. "Now is the time for unity." The Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, agreed in April, was in part aimed at providing Israel desperately-needed stability following the worst political crisis in its history and as the coronavirus pandemic was gathering pace. Netanyahu was to serve as prime minister for the first half of the three year deal, with Gantz taking over in November 2021. The deal included several provisions that would have automatically triggered the collapse of the coalition, including a failure to pass a budget. Netanyahu's critics accuse of him of refusing to pass a two-year budget as a tactic to ensure he is not forced to hand over the prime minister's job to Gantz. (With AFP inputs)

Israel may face fourth election in just two years

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to steal key votes in Monday's election, but analysts are sceptical it will get him over the line.

Israel goes to the polls for the third time in less than a year after deadlocked polls last April and September.

Netanyahu is seeking to woo supporters of former ally Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the secular nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party who was born in Moldova and whose support base is largely from the former Soviet Union.

Lieberman emerged as kingmaker after last year's elections but ultimately refused to back either Netanyahu or centrist rival Benny Gantz.

The embattled premier is hoping a visit to Moscow and a warm welcome for Putin in Jerusalem earlier this year, along with election material in Russian, will help him gather the 61 seats necessary to form a viable coalition.

But Zeev Khanin, professor of political science at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, said Netanyahu's attempts to cosy up to Putin and capture the "Russian vote" were not working.

"The Russian immigrants are Israelis," he said, and while they might be attached to Russian culture, "they don't support Putin or any other Russian politician".

More than a million Jews from the former Soviet Union have migrated to Israel since the 1990s and now account for 12 per cent of the electorate.&nbsp;

Lieberman's list took 40.2 per cent of the Russian-speaking vote in last April's vote, while Netanyahu's Likud party took 26.7 per cent, according to a study by Khanin.

'Racist diatribes'

Lieberman, a former minister under Netanyahu, has long been a spokesman for the ex-Soviet community in Israel.

He is against state financing for Jewish Talmudic schools and wants immigrants from the former USSR to be able to receive a pension in Israel.

His list won eight of the Israeli parliament's 120 seats last September, including six such immigrants among the top 10 names on its ticket.

It also used campaign material in Russian to reach older immigrants who don't always speak Hebrew.

Alex Grinberg, a political commentator who himself is originally from Russia, said two categories of Russian immigrants voted for Lieberman.

"The older ones who don't understand Hebrew, but above all the youth, who grew up in Israel and feel like second-class citizens," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a scandal broke out after Yitzhak Yossef, Israel's Sephardic chief rabbi, who is close to the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, said some of the immigrants were "non-Jews, some of them communists" who "hate religion".

Lieberman has refused to join a coalition with Shas and another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, who are allies of Netanyahu's rightwing Likud.

"The racist diatribes against this (former Soviet) community coming from certain ultra-Orthodox rabbis have provoked a reaction that Lieberman is using in his campaign," Grinberg said.

The Putin factor

Likud has election posters in Russian, and Netanyahu has been playing up his "strong friendship" with the Russian president.

He welcomed Putin in Jerusalem in January, along with other foreign leaders, for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army's liberation of Auschwitz.

The pair inaugurated a monument commemorating the citizens and defenders of Leningrad during the Nazi siege of the city.

"The blockade (of Leningrad) and the Holocaust are things that can't be compared to anything else," Putin said at the time.

Over 600,000 people starved to death during the siege, including tens of thousands of Jewish residents, some of whom were also in the Soviet military.

Netanyahu also used his relationship with Putin in a case of a US-Israeli woman arrested in Russia last year and jailed for drug trafficking.

Moscow freed her shortly before Netanyahu met Putin at the Kremlin in late January.

But whether all this will be enough to convince voters to abandon Lieberman is anything but certain.&nbsp;

According to academic Khanin, Yisrael Beiteinu's campaign responds to Lieberman voters' security and social concerns, particularly regarding pensions.

"The core of Lieberman voters will stay faithful to him, despite Netanyahu's efforts," he said.

Political commentator Grinberg was also sceptical. "Russian voters' main political agenda is integration into Israeli society," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to steal key votes in Monday's election, but analysts are sceptical it will get him over the line.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to steal key votes in Monday's election, but analysts are sceptical it will get him over the line. Israel goes to the polls for the third time in less than a year after deadlocked polls last April and September. Netanyahu is seeking to woo supporters of former ally Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the secular nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party who was born in Moldova and whose support base is largely from the former Soviet Union. Lieberman emerged as kingmaker after last year's elections but ultimately refused to back either Netanyahu or centrist rival Benny Gantz. The embattled premier is hoping a visit to Moscow and a warm welcome for Putin in Jerusalem earlier this year, along with election material in Russian, will help him gather the 61 seats necessary to form a viable coalition. But Zeev Khanin, professor of political science at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, said Netanyahu's attempts to cosy up to Putin and capture the "Russian vote" were not working. "The Russian immigrants are Israelis," he said, and while they might be attached to Russian culture, "they don't support Putin or any other Russian politician". More than a million Jews from the former Soviet Union have migrated to Israel since the 1990s and now account for 12 per cent of the electorate. Lieberman's list took 40.2 per cent of the Russian-speaking vote in last April's vote, while Netanyahu's Likud party took 26.7 per cent, according to a study by Khanin. 'Racist diatribes' Lieberman, a former minister under Netanyahu, has long been a spokesman for the ex-Soviet community in Israel. He is against state financing for Jewish Talmudic schools and wants immigrants from the former USSR to be able to receive a pension in Israel. His list won eight of the Israeli parliament's 120 seats last September, including six such immigrants among the top 10 names on its ticket. It also used campaign material in Russian to reach older immigrants who don't always speak Hebrew. Alex Grinberg, a political commentator who himself is originally from Russia, said two categories of Russian immigrants voted for Lieberman. "The older ones who don't understand Hebrew, but above all the youth, who grew up in Israel and feel like second-class citizens," he said. Earlier this year, a scandal broke out after Yitzhak Yossef, Israel's Sephardic chief rabbi, who is close to the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, said some of the immigrants were "non-Jews, some of them communists" who "hate religion". Lieberman has refused to join a coalition with Shas and another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, who are allies of Netanyahu's rightwing Likud. "The racist diatribes against this (former Soviet) community coming from certain ultra-Orthodox rabbis have provoked a reaction that Lieberman is using in his campaign," Grinberg said. The Putin factor Likud has election posters in Russian, and Netanyahu has been playing up his "strong friendship" with the Russian president. He welcomed Putin in Jerusalem in January, along with other foreign leaders, for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army's liberation of Auschwitz. The pair inaugurated a monument commemorating the citizens and defenders of Leningrad during the Nazi siege of the city. "The blockade (of Leningrad) and the Holocaust are things that can't be compared to anything else," Putin said at the time. Over 600,000 people starved to death during the siege, including tens of thousands of Jewish residents, some of whom were also in the Soviet military. Netanyahu also used his relationship with Putin in a case of a US-Israeli woman arrested in Russia last year and jailed for drug trafficking. Moscow freed her shortly before Netanyahu met Putin at the Kremlin in late January. But whether all this will be enough to convince voters to abandon Lieberman is anything but certain. According to academic Khanin, Yisrael Beiteinu's campaign responds to Lieberman voters' security and social concerns, particularly regarding pensions. "The core of Lieberman voters will stay faithful to him, despite Netanyahu's efforts," he said. Political commentator Grinberg was also sceptical. "Russian voters' main political agenda is integration into Israeli society," he said.

Israel's Netanyahu tries to poach 'Russian vote' from old rival

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 12, 2019

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-justice-ministry-indicts-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-for-fraud-breach-of-trust-and-corruption-263741">Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, who is battling corruption charges will resign from all the ministerial position but will remain premier, his lawyers said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Netanyahu was indicted last month on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three different corruption cases.

&nbsp;"He will cease being a minister by January 1, 2020 and appoint other ministers instead, Netanyahu's lawyers told the court. They added that Netanyahu will remain to be the prime minister "as per law".&nbsp;

The lawyers' announcement to the Supreme Court came the same morning as parliament dissolved itself and decided a new date for elections in Israel, the third in a year.&nbsp;

The court earlier received a petition demanding that Netanyahu, who is also minister of agriculture, diaspora, health and welfare, resign from all his positions in light of his indictments.

As per law in Israel, if a minister is facing charges, he needs to resign, but no such provision exists for prime ministers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-can-stay-on-as-prime-minister-despite-indictment-israels-attorney-general-264513">Attorney general Avichai Mandelblit</a>, who indicted the Israeli PM, also said that Netanyahu cannot be forced to step down.&nbsp;

The Movement for Quality of Government in Israel (MQG), who filed the petition, said that the resignation from other ministeries is not enough, adding that his continuance to hold office as PM is "a terrible shame on Israel".&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is battling corruption charges will resign from all the ministerial position but will remain premier, his lawyers said on Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is battling corruption charges will resign from all the ministerial position but will remain premier, his lawyers said on Thursday. Netanyahu was indicted last month on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three different corruption cases. "He will cease being a minister by January 1, 2020 and appoint other ministers instead, Netanyahu's lawyers told the court. They added that Netanyahu will remain to be the prime minister "as per law". The lawyers' announcement to the Supreme Court came the same morning as parliament dissolved itself and decided a new date for elections in Israel, the third in a year. The court earlier received a petition demanding that Netanyahu, who is also minister of agriculture, diaspora, health and welfare, resign from all his positions in light of his indictments. As per law in Israel, if a minister is facing charges, he needs to resign, but no such provision exists for prime ministers. Attorney general Avichai Mandelblit, who indicted the Israeli PM, also said that Netanyahu cannot be forced to step down. The Movement for Quality of Government in Israel (MQG), who filed the petition, said that the resignation from other ministeries is not enough, adding that his continuance to hold office as PM is "a terrible shame on Israel". (with inputs from AFP)

Benjamin Netanyahu will resign from other ministries but will remain PM: Lawyers

Watch in WION Dispatch: Gantz failed to form a coalition for govt in Israel. Watch this video as WION's West Asia Bureau chief Daniele Pagani tells you more on this.

WION Dispatch: Gantz failed to form a coalition for govt in Israel

Israeli ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday he will not endorse either Benjamin Netanyahu or Benny Gantz for prime minister following last week's deadlocked elections.

Lieberman, who could potentially play a kingmaker role, spoke to journalists as President Reuven Rivlin began consulting political parties on who they will back for prime minister.

A delegation from Lieberman's secular nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party was due to meet Rivlin later Sunday.

Yisrael Beitenu won eight seats in the 120-seat parliament in Tuesday's election.

Lieberman has insisted on a unity government between his party, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's centrist Blue and White.

He said he could not for now back Netanyahu because he is willing to form a coalition with Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which he accuses of seeking to impose religious law on the secular population.

Lieberman also said he could not back Gantz for now because he may reach a deal with either the ultra-Orthodox or Israel's Arab parties, which he called "enemies." 
&nbsp;

Israeli ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday he will not endorse either Benjamin Netanyahu or Benny Gantz for prime minister following last week's deadlocked elections.

Israeli ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday he will not endorse either Benjamin Netanyahu or Benny Gantz for prime minister following last week's deadlocked elections. Lieberman, who could potentially play a kingmaker role, spoke to journalists as President Reuven Rivlin began consulting political parties on who they will back for prime minister. A delegation from Lieberman's secular nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party was due to meet Rivlin later Sunday. Yisrael Beitenu won eight seats in the 120-seat parliament in Tuesday's election. Lieberman has insisted on a unity government between his party, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's centrist Blue and White. He said he could not for now back Netanyahu because he is willing to form a coalition with Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which he accuses of seeking to impose religious law on the secular population. Lieberman also said he could not back Gantz for now because he may reach a deal with either the ultra-Orthodox or Israel's Arab parties, which he called "enemies."

Israel's Avigdor Lieberman says not backing Benjamin Netanyahu or Benny Gantz for Prime Minister

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 22nd, 2019

Near-complete official results Friday confirmed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-president-to-start-consultations-sunday-on-next-pm-250652">deadlock in Israel's general election</a> this week, putting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-says-he-should-be-pm-in-unity-government-250616">Benny Gantz's party</a> as the largest but without an obvious path to form a majority coalition.

The results from Israel's election committee showed Gantz's centrist Blue and White with 33 seats out of 120 and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud with 31.

Final results will be published on Wednesday, it said, and there could be changes before then.

The committee said the results did not include 14 polling stations where verifications were still ongoing.

Israeli media said that meant 99.8 per cent of the votes had been counted.

The third-largest total was the mainly Arab Joint List alliance, which won 13 seats, followed by the Jewish ultra-Orthodox party Shas with nine.

Another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, won eight seats, as did ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman's nationalist Yisrael Beitenu.

The results have put Netanyahu's long tenure in office at risk.

Israel elections: Referendum on Netanyahu?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elections-referendum-or-netanyahu-250142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, he acknowledged the results did not allow him to form a right-wing coalition as he hoped and instead called on Gantz to form a unity government with him.

Gantz responded by saying he would have to be prime minister in a unity government since Blue and White was the largest party.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin plans to begin consultations with all parties voted into parliament on Sunday to decide who to choose to try to form a government.

Near-complete official results Friday confirmed a deadlock in Israel's general election this week, putting Benny Gantz's party as the largest but without an obvious path to form a majority coalition.

Near-complete official results Friday confirmed a deadlock in Israel's general election this week, putting Benny Gantz's party as the largest but without an obvious path to form a majority coalition. The results from Israel's election committee showed Gantz's centrist Blue and White with 33 seats out of 120 and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud with 31. Final results will be published on Wednesday, it said, and there could be changes before then. The committee said the results did not include 14 polling stations where verifications were still ongoing. Israeli media said that meant 99.8 per cent of the votes had been counted. The third-largest total was the mainly Arab Joint List alliance, which won 13 seats, followed by the Jewish ultra-Orthodox party Shas with nine. Another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, won eight seats, as did ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman's nationalist Yisrael Beitenu. The results have put Netanyahu's long tenure in office at risk. Israel elections: Referendum on Netanyahu? On Thursday, he acknowledged the results did not allow him to form a right-wing coalition as he hoped and instead called on Gantz to form a unity government with him. Gantz responded by saying he would have to be prime minister in a unity government since Blue and White was the largest party. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin plans to begin consultations with all parties voted into parliament on Sunday to decide who to choose to try to form a government.

Israel vote deadlock confirmed by near-complete official results

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - Sept 20th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the afternoon - Sept 20th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 19th, 2019

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will begin consultations on Sunday to decide who should form the next government following this week's general elections, a statement from his office said.

Rivlin will hold meetings with the parties elected to parliament and ask them for their recommendations on who should be the next prime minister.&nbsp;

He will then make his choice based on those recommendations.

In a major development following Tuesday's polls, Likud party's Benjamin Netanyahu said he preferred to form a right-wing coalition, but the results showed it was not possible.

He urged his main challenger Benny Gantz to join him in forming a unity government instead, and the two men shook hands when they crossed paths at a memorial event later.

But on Thursday afternoon, Gantz made clear that he would have to be prime minister of a unity government, noting that results so far put his centrist Blue and White two seats ahead of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud.

Despite Gantz's slim lead, neither has an obvious path to form a majority coalition, and the Blue and White leader has made several calls for a unity government since polls closed on Tuesday.

Netanyahu's stark admission came as the results threatened his status as the country's longest-serving prime minister while he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

He went on to call on Gantz to form a "broad unity government today."

Speaking to journalists, Gantz said, "The public voted clearly in favour of unity.

"Blue and White has at the time I am speaking won 33 seats, while Netanyahu has not obtained a sufficient majority to form a coalition as he hoped."

The ex-military chief, who mounted his challenge to Netanyahu without any prior political experience, went on to say, "We will listen to everyone, but we will not accept mandates imposed on us."

Netanyahu responded with a statement shortly after saying he "was surprised and disappointed that at this time Benny Gantz still refuses to respond to my call to meet." 
&nbsp;

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will begin consultations on Sunday to decide who should form the next government following this week's general elections, a statement from his office said.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will begin consultations on Sunday to decide who should form the next government following this week's general elections, a statement from his office said. Rivlin will hold meetings with the parties elected to parliament and ask them for their recommendations on who should be the next prime minister. He will then make his choice based on those recommendations. In a major development following Tuesday's polls, Likud party's Benjamin Netanyahu said he preferred to form a right-wing coalition, but the results showed it was not possible. He urged his main challenger Benny Gantz to join him in forming a unity government instead, and the two men shook hands when they crossed paths at a memorial event later. But on Thursday afternoon, Gantz made clear that he would have to be prime minister of a unity government, noting that results so far put his centrist Blue and White two seats ahead of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud. Despite Gantz's slim lead, neither has an obvious path to form a majority coalition, and the Blue and White leader has made several calls for a unity government since polls closed on Tuesday. Netanyahu's stark admission came as the results threatened his status as the country's longest-serving prime minister while he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead. He went on to call on Gantz to form a "broad unity government today." Speaking to journalists, Gantz said, "The public voted clearly in favour of unity. "Blue and White has at the time I am speaking won 33 seats, while Netanyahu has not obtained a sufficient majority to form a coalition as he hoped." The ex-military chief, who mounted his challenge to Netanyahu without any prior political experience, went on to say, "We will listen to everyone, but we will not accept mandates imposed on us." Netanyahu responded with a statement shortly after saying he "was surprised and disappointed that at this time Benny Gantz still refuses to respond to my call to meet."

Israel president to start consultations Sunday on next Prime Minister

Benny Gantz has said that he should be the Prime Minister of Israel unity government. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: I should be PM in Isreal unity government

Israel Elects: Benjamin Netanyahu seeks Israeli unity government with rival Gantz. Watch video to know more.

Israel Elects: Benjamin Netanyahu seeks Israeli unity government with rival Gantz

Israel elects: Counting underway in high-stakes poll. Watch video to know more.

Israel elects: Counting underway in high-stakes poll

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a battle for political survival after exit polls following Tuesday's election showed the race too close to call and the Israeli leader's decade-long grip on power slipping.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a battle for political survival after exit polls following Tuesday's election showed the race too close to call and the Israeli leader's decade-long grip on power slipping. Netanyahu's main election challenger, centrist Benny Gantz, said on Wednesday it appeared from the exit polls that Israel's longest-serving leader was defeated but that only official results would tell. In his own speech to right-wing Likud party faithful, Netanyahu, sipping water frequently and speaking in a hoarse voice, made no claim of victory or concession of defeat, saying he was awaiting a vote tally. Netanyahu's appearance in the dead of night at Likud election headquarters was a far cry from his triumphant declaration five months ago that he had won a close election. His failure to form a government after the April ballot led to the new election on Tuesday. Gantz, a former armed forces chief, beamed with confidence as he told a rally of his Blue and White Party that it appeared "we fulfilled our mission", and he pledged to work towards formation of a unity government. Netanyahu, he said, apparently "did not succeed in his mission" to win a fifth term. "We will await the actual results," Gantz, 60, said. The final election results can take more than a week, but partial results are published by the Knesset as the vote-counting proceeds, so a clearer picture will likely emerge within a day before the final tally. By 6 a.m. about a quarter of the votes had been counted. Revised surveys by Israeli TV stations, several hours after polls closed, gave Likud 30 to 33 of parliament's 120 seats, a slight drop from earlier forecasts, versus 32 to 34 for Blue and White. Neither had enough support, at first glance, for a governing coalition of 61 legislators, and Netanyahu's ally-turned-rival, former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, emerged as a likely kingmaker as head of the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party. The updated polls showed that without Yisrael Beitenu's projected eight to nine seats, stalemate could ensue: Likud would have the support of only up to 55 legislators, down from 57 in the earlier exit polls, for a right-wing coalition. Blue and White could enlist the backing of no more than 59 for a centre-left government. Netanyahu, who highlighted his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump during the campaign, said in his 3 a.m. speech at Likud election headquarters in Tel Aviv that he intended to establish a "strong Zionist government" that would reflect the views of "many of the nation's people". His description of a future administration appeared to open the way for Jewish parties not part of his current government to join. It also seemed to be a swipe at Gantz, and the possibility that Netanyahu's rival might try for a governing coalition with the tacit support of an Arab party, which many right-wingers see as disloyal to Israel. The Joint Arab List made a strong showing in Tuesday's election and was projected to capture 13 to 15 seats in the legislature, compared with 10 won by various Arab factions in April's election. Coalition-building could be complicated: Lieberman has said he would not join an alliance that included ultra-Orthodox parties - Netanyahu's traditional allies. Lieberman ran on a platform largely focused on weakening the influence that religious parties have on everyday life in Israel. Gantz has ruled out participating in an administration with Netanyahu,if the Israeli leader is indicted on looming corruption charges. Corruption charges Dubbed "King Bibi" by his supporters, Netanyahu, 69, had already been stung by the April poll. Three corruption investigations and the Israeli attorney general's announced intention to charge him with fraud and bribery have also chipped away at Netanyahu's seeming invincibility, 10 years into consecutive terms as prime minister marked by a sharp focus on security that resonated with voters. Netanyahu, who can argue at a pre-trial hearing in October against indictment, has denied any wrongdoing. An election loss could leave him more at risk of prosecution in the graft cases, without the shield of parliamentary immunity that his current political allies had promised to seek for him. "Unless that miraculous turnabout between the exit polls and the actual results happens - the Netanyahu magic has been broken," Anshel Pfeffer, author of a Netanyahu biography, wrote in the left-wing Haaretz daily. Campaigns run by Likud and Blue and White pointed to only narrow differences on many important issues: the regional struggle against Iran, the Palestinian conflict, relations with the United States and the economy. An end to the Netanyahu era would be unlikely to bring about a significant change in policy on hotly disputed issues in the peace process with the Palestinians that collapsed five years ago. Before the last election, Trump gave Netanyahu a lift with U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. This time, the White House seems more preoccupied with Iran. The Trump administration plans soon to release an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan that may prove a dead letter: The Palestinians have rejected it in advance as biased. In what was widely seen as a bid to draw votes away from ultranationalist parties, Netanyahu last week announced his intention to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, where the Palestinians seek statehood. But Blue and White, while vowing to pursue peace, has also said it would strengthen Israeli settlement blocs in the West Bank, with the Jordan Valley as Israel's "eastern security border". In Gaza, Palestinians awaited the results of the vote. "This election affects many things in our life," said Mohamad Abdul Hay Hasaneen, a janitor in the city of Khan Younis. "There might be limited escalations after the election, but I don’t think this would result in a full war."

Israel's Netanyahu teetering in close election race: Polls

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/route-to-61-forming-a-coalition-after-israels-election-250385">deadlocked </a>Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the premier's long rule.

Various Israeli outlets reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 out of a total 120 seats.

But with more than 90 per cent of the vote counted, Gantz's slim lead gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government.

The reports were citing elections committee sources, as that level of results had not been officially posted yet.

Watch:

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If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current one as he faces the possibility of corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Netanyahu spoke before supporters in the early hours of Wednesday and said he was prepared for negotiations to form a "strong Zionist government."

He seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government but did not specifically say so.

Gantz, addressing supporters in Tel Aviv, called for a "broad unity government" but cautioned that he was waiting for final results.

"We will act to form a broad unity government that will express the will of the people," the former armed forces chief said.

"We will begin negotiations and I will speak with everyone."

On Wednesday morning when journalists approached him as he headed out for a run, Gantz said, "we'll wait for the final results ... and wish Israel a good unity government."

Netanyahu was due to address members of his party later Wednesday.

Arab turnout

Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results giving his secular-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu nine seats.

The mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats, the reports said.

That could allow Arab parties to block Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister if they decide to break with precedent and endorse Gantz for the job.

Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister.

"The main difference in this vote is the turnout among Arab citizens," Joint List leader Ayman Odeh told journalists outside his home in the northern city of Haifa on Wednesday.

"There's no doubt that this is what made the difference. Without that, Netanyahu would already be prime minister."

After exit polls were released on Tuesday night, Lieberman called for a unity government formed of his party, Likud and Blue and White, saying the country was facing an "emergency."

The election was the second in five months for Israel, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must choose someone to form the next government, said there was a "need to avoid a third".

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous elections in April.

His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try.

'Normal again'

The stakes could not be much higher for 69-year-old Netanyahu, who many believe will seek immunity from prosecution should he survive as prime minister.

He spent election day warning he was on the verge of losing if his supporters did not turn out to vote, including in appearances at Jerusalem's main market and its central bus station, wielding a megaphone to exhort crowds to vote.

He repeatedly warned as he has in previous elections, that left-wing and Arab voters were showing up in large numbers to oust him.

A campaign by Lieberman to "make Israel normal again" appeared to have resonated.

The staunch secularist has long campaigned against what he sees as the undue clout of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which he accuses of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population.

Lieberman has demanded legislation to make military service mandatory for the ultra-Orthodox as for other Jewish Israelis -- a demand he refused to drop after April polls, eventually blocking Netanyahu's efforts to form a coalition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were deadlocked Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the premier's long rule.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were deadlocked Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the premier's long rule. Various Israeli outlets reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 out of a total 120 seats. But with more than 90 per cent of the vote counted, Gantz's slim lead gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government. The reports were citing elections committee sources, as that level of results had not been officially posted yet. Watch: × If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current one as he faces the possibility of corruption charges in the weeks ahead. With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Netanyahu spoke before supporters in the early hours of Wednesday and said he was prepared for negotiations to form a "strong Zionist government." He seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government but did not specifically say so. Gantz, addressing supporters in Tel Aviv, called for a "broad unity government" but cautioned that he was waiting for final results. "We will act to form a broad unity government that will express the will of the people," the former armed forces chief said. "We will begin negotiations and I will speak with everyone." On Wednesday morning when journalists approached him as he headed out for a run, Gantz said, "we'll wait for the final results ... and wish Israel a good unity government." Netanyahu was due to address members of his party later Wednesday. Arab turnout Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results giving his secular-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu nine seats. The mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats, the reports said. That could allow Arab parties to block Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister if they decide to break with precedent and endorse Gantz for the job. Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister. "The main difference in this vote is the turnout among Arab citizens," Joint List leader Ayman Odeh told journalists outside his home in the northern city of Haifa on Wednesday. "There's no doubt that this is what made the difference. Without that, Netanyahu would already be prime minister." After exit polls were released on Tuesday night, Lieberman called for a unity government formed of his party, Likud and Blue and White, saying the country was facing an "emergency." The election was the second in five months for Israel, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must choose someone to form the next government, said there was a "need to avoid a third". Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous elections in April. His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try. 'Normal again' The stakes could not be much higher for 69-year-old Netanyahu, who many believe will seek immunity from prosecution should he survive as prime minister. He spent election day warning he was on the verge of losing if his supporters did not turn out to vote, including in appearances at Jerusalem's main market and its central bus station, wielding a megaphone to exhort crowds to vote. He repeatedly warned as he has in previous elections, that left-wing and Arab voters were showing up in large numbers to oust him. A campaign by Lieberman to "make Israel normal again" appeared to have resonated. The staunch secularist has long campaigned against what he sees as the undue clout of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which he accuses of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population. Lieberman has demanded legislation to make military service mandatory for the ultra-Orthodox as for other Jewish Israelis -- a demand he refused to drop after April polls, eventually blocking Netanyahu's efforts to form a coalition.

Israel polls: Netanyahu, Gantz in deadlock as unity government looms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday.

Initial results from Tuesday's general election show Netanyahu's Likud party tied with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/route-to-61-forming-a-coalition-after-israels-election-250385">Blue and White alliance</a> of his main challenger, former army chief Benny Gantz.

According to Israeli media, with more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 places in Israel's 120-member parliament.

If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

The election was Israel's second in five months, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to form the next government, has stressed the "need to avoid a third".

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous poll.

Likud and its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk Rivlin picking someone else to try.

Netanyahu had been due to meet US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the General Assembly next week.

Trump said Saturday that he Netanyahu were&nbsp;to discuss the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies.

Netanyahu went further.

"I look forward to our meeting at the UN to advance a historic defence treaty between the United States and Israel," he said.

Netanyahu has in the past used speeches at the podium to accuse arch-foe Iran of working secretly to develop nuclear arms and denounce its support for militant groups against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday. Initial results from Tuesday's general election show Netanyahu's Likud party tied with the Blue and White alliance of his main challenger, former army chief Benny Gantz. According to Israeli media, with more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 places in Israel's 120-member parliament. If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead. The election was Israel's second in five months, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to form the next government, has stressed the "need to avoid a third". Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous poll. Likud and its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk Rivlin picking someone else to try. Netanyahu had been due to meet US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the General Assembly next week. Trump said Saturday that he Netanyahu were to discuss the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies. Netanyahu went further. "I look forward to our meeting at the UN to advance a historic defence treaty between the United States and Israel," he said. Netanyahu has in the past used speeches at the podium to accuse arch-foe Iran of working secretly to develop nuclear arms and denounce its support for militant groups against Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu cancels UN visit over post-poll 'political context'

Israeli election results showed Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-appears-from-exit-polls-that-prime-minister-netanyahu-lost-israels-opposition-leader-250285">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>and his main rival Benny Gantz deadlocked, reports said Wednesday.&nbsp;

If the results from Tuesday's election hold, they suggest a stark challenge for any party to form a viable coalition government under Israel's proportional system.

What is the procedure?

Various Israeli media reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's Blue and White had 32 seats each of parliament's 120 with more than 90 percent of the vote counted.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will ask the heads of all of the parties voted into the parliament, or Knesset, to nominate who they would like to form a government.

Whichever leader gets the most nominations will get the first chance to try and form a coalition.

They will have 28 days to try and form a viable coalition, with a potential 14-day extension.&nbsp;

If that proves impossible, as after the previous election in April, Rivlin could then give another leader an opportunity.

Netanyahu headed off that possibility in April by opting for an unprecedented second election instead.

What is Netanyahu's path?

Netanyahu's route to retaining his rightwing government likely runs through one man: Avigdor Lieberman.

Three other rightwing parties -- the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and religious nationalists Yamina -- have said they will recommend Netanyahu.

But that would still leave the bloc short of a majority.

Netanyahu would then need to turn to Lieberman, a former rightwing ally turned fierce rival who could become kingmaker.

This would likely involve pledging to curb the influence of the ultra-Orthodox parties, with which Lieberman has fraught relations.

The April election brought a similar result to Tuesday's, but Netanyahu was ultimately unable to convince Lieberman to join and called fresh polls.

What is Gantz's path?

Gantz could still get enough nominations to get his Blue and White coalition to 61 but his route appears difficult.

He may need the backing of two smaller leftwing parties, as well as the backing of the Joint List coalition of Arab Israeli parties, which the reported results showed could win 12 seats.

Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister, but have signalled they could back Gantz this time as they seek to oust Netanyahu.

But even then Gantz would be short of 61 votes, according to the reported results, with Lieberman's reported nine seats to play for.

Is a unity government possible?

A third option is a unity government including Likud, Blue and White and possibly Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party.

Lieberman said clearly Tuesday he would only support such a deal.

Earlier in the campaign, Gantz expressed an unwillingness to work with Likud as long as Netanyahu was in charge, but he did not reiterate that demand in his speech after the election.

Netanyahu signalled he may be open to the possibility of a unity government, though he would clearly prefer a right-wing coalition similar to the one he has now.

The 69-year-old has been in power for more than a decade and is a deeply polarising figure.

Blue and White has sought to encourage Netanyahu's Likud to replace him as leader before joining a coalition together.

There is so far no sign that would happen.

Fighting for his political career and with a hearing expected early next month over corruption allegations, Netanyahu indicated late Tuesday he planned to fight on as long as possible.

What about a third round?

Tuesday's results were not radically different to the polls in April that saw Netanyahu unable to form a majority coalition. He called a new election before Gantz was given the chance to try.

Another stalemate and unsuccessful negotiations could in theory even lead to the third round of elections, though Rivlin has pledged to do all he can to avoid that.

Israeli election results showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz deadlocked, reports said Wednesday. If the results from Tuesday's election hold, they suggest a stark challenge for any party to form a viable coalition government under Israel's proportional system.

Israeli election results showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz deadlocked, reports said Wednesday. If the results from Tuesday's election hold, they suggest a stark challenge for any party to form a viable coalition government under Israel's proportional system. What is the procedure? Various Israeli media reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's Blue and White had 32 seats each of parliament's 120 with more than 90 percent of the vote counted. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will ask the heads of all of the parties voted into the parliament, or Knesset, to nominate who they would like to form a government. Whichever leader gets the most nominations will get the first chance to try and form a coalition. They will have 28 days to try and form a viable coalition, with a potential 14-day extension. If that proves impossible, as after the previous election in April, Rivlin could then give another leader an opportunity. Netanyahu headed off that possibility in April by opting for an unprecedented second election instead. What is Netanyahu's path? Netanyahu's route to retaining his rightwing government likely runs through one man: Avigdor Lieberman. Three other rightwing parties -- the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and religious nationalists Yamina -- have said they will recommend Netanyahu. But that would still leave the bloc short of a majority. Netanyahu would then need to turn to Lieberman, a former rightwing ally turned fierce rival who could become kingmaker. This would likely involve pledging to curb the influence of the ultra-Orthodox parties, with which Lieberman has fraught relations. The April election brought a similar result to Tuesday's, but Netanyahu was ultimately unable to convince Lieberman to join and called fresh polls. What is Gantz's path? Gantz could still get enough nominations to get his Blue and White coalition to 61 but his route appears difficult. He may need the backing of two smaller leftwing parties, as well as the backing of the Joint List coalition of Arab Israeli parties, which the reported results showed could win 12 seats. Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister, but have signalled they could back Gantz this time as they seek to oust Netanyahu. But even then Gantz would be short of 61 votes, according to the reported results, with Lieberman's reported nine seats to play for. Is a unity government possible? A third option is a unity government including Likud, Blue and White and possibly Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party. Lieberman said clearly Tuesday he would only support such a deal. Earlier in the campaign, Gantz expressed an unwillingness to work with Likud as long as Netanyahu was in charge, but he did not reiterate that demand in his speech after the election. Netanyahu signalled he may be open to the possibility of a unity government, though he would clearly prefer a right-wing coalition similar to the one he has now. The 69-year-old has been in power for more than a decade and is a deeply polarising figure. Blue and White has sought to encourage Netanyahu's Likud to replace him as leader before joining a coalition together. There is so far no sign that would happen. Fighting for his political career and with a hearing expected early next month over corruption allegations, Netanyahu indicated late Tuesday he planned to fight on as long as possible. What about a third round? Tuesday's results were not radically different to the polls in April that saw Netanyahu unable to form a majority coalition. He called a new election before Gantz was given the chance to try. Another stalemate and unsuccessful negotiations could in theory even lead to the third round of elections, though Rivlin has pledged to do all he can to avoid that.

Route to 61: Forming a coalition after Israel's election

Israel began voting in its second election in five months Tuesday that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving prime minister despite corruption allegations against him.

Israel began voting in its second election in five months Tuesday that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving prime minister despite corruption allegations against him. Polls opened at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) and were due to close in most areas at 10:00 pm. At one Jerusalem polling station, a trickle of voters arrived to cast ballots just after opening time. The stakes could not be much higher for the 69-year-old right-wing leader who, as in April polls, faces a strong challenge from ex-military chief Benny Gantz and his centrist Blue and White alliance. Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu's former right-hand man turned rival, could play a kingmaker role with his campaign to "make Israel normal again." Some 6.4 million people are eligible to cast ballots. The first exit surveys will be released just after polls close, while official results are not expected until Wednesday. Opinion polls have indicated another tight race, showing Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White winning around 32 seats each in the 120-seat parliament. Both Netanyahu and Gantz paid a last-minute visit Monday night to Jerusalem's Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews are allowed to pray. Netanyahu enters the election after having suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career following the April vote. His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority of seats, leading Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to task the premier with forming a new government. But following weeks of discussions, Netanyahu failed, leading him to opt for an unprecedented second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else. Immunity? The danger for Netanyahu extends beyond remaining prime minister, a post he has held for a total of more than 13 years. If he wins, many believe he will seek to have parliament grant him immunity from prosecution while facing the possibility of a corruption indictment in the weeks ahead. Israel's attorney general has said he intends to indict Netanyahu for fraud, bribery and breach of trust pending a hearing expected only days after the election in early October. A final decision would come later. Netanyahu would not be required to step down if indicted, only if convicted with all appeals exhausted. Recognising the stakes, Netanyahu spent the final days of the campaign seeking to appeal to right-wing nationalists -- key to his re-election bid -- and to boost turnout among his base. Those efforts have included a controversial pledge to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, a third of the territory. He has issued unfounded warnings that the vote could be stolen by fraud in Arab communities, leading critics to accuse him of racism. But Netanyahu has also highlighted the country's growing economy and his relationships with world leaders such as US President Donald Trump. He has tried to label his main opponents "weak" and "leftist" despite their security credentials. "This is the choice that is open to you: their left-wing government or a strong right-wing government led by me," he said Monday. 'Rude lies' Gantz has campaigned by presenting himself as an honourable alternative. He has repeatedly spoken of Netanyahu's willingness to form a coalition with far-right parties that could help him seek immunity. Gantz says his alliance, which includes three former military chiefs of staff, wants a unity government that the vast majority of Israelis would support. "Netanyahu continues to spread rude lies in a desperate attempt to save his government," Gantz said Monday. "He lies, scolds, skewers, divides." Opinion polls show the campaign by Lieberman's nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party has resonated with voters. His "make Israel normal again" slogan refers to what the staunch secularist says is the undue influence of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties on the country's politics. He accuses them of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population and wants legislation ending the ultra-Orthodox's exemption from mandatory military service. Lieberman prevented Netanyahu from forming a coalition after April polls by refusing to relent on his demand related to military service for the ultra-Orthodox. It is not clear he will endorse Netanyahu as prime minister again, which could be enough for Rivlin to allow Gantz to try to form a government. Israel's newly reunified Arab parties could also prove decisive with a performance similar to 2015 elections, when they became the third-largest force in parliament. If so, they could block Netanyahu from continuing on as prime minister by recommending Gantz.

Israelis go to the polls in second round of general elections in five months

Israel elections: Benjamin Netanyahu's agenda and settlement issue

Israel heading for election yet again next week on 17th Sept. Watch this video to know more.

Israel heading for election yet again next week on 17th Sept

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tweet acknowledging the coverage of Israeli election by WION has been appreciated by Twitter users.

Many users congratulated WION for its coverage and others appreciated the fact the the hard work is "finally being recognised".

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Way to go <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a>! 
Making an impact with news from India's perspective! 
Just what one would hope for watching the western propaganda machinery in the 90s!
— DeeBee (@tweetofdb) <a href="https://twitter.com/tweetofdb/status/1156194052145995776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Wow. What a moment for <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> Congratulations 😊
— Kedar Kulkarni (@kedardk) <a href="https://twitter.com/kedardk/status/1156153330554421250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Omg! What a big moment for wion! Finally the hardwork, is being recognised by world leaders! Kudos. 😊
— अभियंता आरूँध चौहान (@AarundhChauhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/AarundhChauhan/status/1156156008504315904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Always a pleasure to watch you 🙏
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Netanyahu on Tuesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-israel-election-campaign-benjamin-netanyahu-tweets-wion-video-239468">tweeted WION's video</a> on the election campaign in Israel. The story which aired on WION's prime time show Gravitas, talked about how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is integral to the Israeli Prime Minister's election campaign.

"The media in India reports about the personal friendship and tremendous relationship between me and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Netanyahu said in his tweet written originally in Hebrew.

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התקשורת בהודו מדווחת במהדורות החדשות על החברות האישית והיחסים האדירים ביני לבין ראש ממשלת הודו נרנדרה מודי 🇮🇱🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/sNQCGUIni2">pic.twitter.com/sNQCGUIni2</a>
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Israel will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections.

With its focus on global news, WION has presented unbiased coverage of the biggest news stories world over. the channel has been instrumental in giving its users the coverage on Israeli elections. The viewers have appreciated WION's focus and the way it presents news.

WION is available in nearly 30 countries.

Watch the full video

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-star-campaigner-in-israel-too-modi-in-netanyahus-campaign-239316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy."

Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tweet acknowledging the coverage of Israeli election by WION has been appreciated by Twitter users. Many users congratulated WION for its coverage and others appreciated the fact the the hard work is "finally being recognised".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tweet acknowledging the coverage of Israeli election by WION has been appreciated by Twitter users. Many users congratulated WION for its coverage and others appreciated the fact the the hard work is "finally being recognised". Way to go @WIONews @palkisu! Making an impact with news from India's perspective! Just what one would hope for watching the western propaganda machinery in the 90s! — DeeBee (@tweetofdb) July 30, 2019 × Wow. What a moment for @WIONews Congratulations 😊 — Kedar Kulkarni (@kedardk) July 30, 2019 × Omg! What a big moment for wion! Finally the hardwork, is being recognised by world leaders! Kudos. 😊 — अभियंता आरूँध चौहान (@AarundhChauhan) July 30, 2019 × Always a pleasure to watch you 🙏 — Rajkishore Dutta (@RajkishoreDutt1) July 30, 2019 × Netanyahu on Tuesday tweeted WION's video on the election campaign in Israel. The story which aired on WION's prime time show Gravitas, talked about how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is integral to the Israeli Prime Minister's election campaign. "The media in India reports about the personal friendship and tremendous relationship between me and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Netanyahu said in his tweet written originally in Hebrew. התקשורת בהודו מדווחת במהדורות החדשות על החברות האישית והיחסים האדירים ביני לבין ראש ממשלת הודו נרנדרה מודי 🇮🇱🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/sNQCGUIni2 — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 30, 2019 × Israel will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections. With its focus on global news, WION has presented unbiased coverage of the biggest news stories world over. the channel has been instrumental in giving its users the coverage on Israeli elections. The viewers have appreciated WION's focus and the way it presents news. WION is available in nearly 30 countries. Watch the full video Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.

Benjamin Netanyahu tweets a WION story, twitterati cheers

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday tweeted WION's video on the election campaign in Israel. The story which aired on WION's prime time show Gravitas, talked about how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is integral to the Israeli Prime Minister's election campaign. 
&nbsp; 
"The media in India reports about the personal friendship and tremendous relationship between me and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Netanyahu said in his tweet written originally in Hebrew.

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התקשורת בהודו מדווחת במהדורות החדשות על החברות האישית והיחסים האדירים ביני לבין ראש ממשלת הודו נרנדרה מודי 🇮🇱🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/sNQCGUIni2">pic.twitter.com/sNQCGUIni2</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1156140229033680896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Israel will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections. 
&nbsp; 
PM Modi has been featured in Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's Likud party has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips are from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the West Asian country.

Watch: Star campaigner in Israel too - Modi in Netanyahu's campaign

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-star-campaigner-in-israel-too-modi-in-netanyahus-campaign-239316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The video shows PM Modi being welcomed at the airport in Israel as well as various moments of his trip to Israel. The beach stroll by both the leaders at Haifa's beach to see a demonstration of the mobile desalination unit became one of the highlights of Modi's visit. 
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." 
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Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday tweeted WION's video on the election campaign in Israel. The story which aired on WION's prime time show Gravitas, talked about how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is integral to the Israeli Prime Minister's election campaign.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday tweeted WION's video on the election campaign in Israel. The story which aired on WION's prime time show Gravitas, talked about how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is integral to the Israeli Prime Minister's election campaign. "The media in India reports about the personal friendship and tremendous relationship between me and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Netanyahu said in his tweet written originally in Hebrew. התקשורת בהודו מדווחת במהדורות החדשות על החברות האישית והיחסים האדירים ביני לבין ראש ממשלת הודו נרנדרה מודי 🇮🇱🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/sNQCGUIni2 — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 30, 2019 × Israel will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections. PM Modi has been featured in Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's Likud party has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips are from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the West Asian country. Watch: Star campaigner in Israel too - Modi in Netanyahu's campaign The video shows PM Modi being welcomed at the airport in Israel as well as various moments of his trip to Israel. The beach stroll by both the leaders at Haifa's beach to see a demonstration of the mobile desalination unit became one of the highlights of Modi's visit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.

PM Modi in Israel election campaign: Benjamin Netanyahu tweets WION video

Israeli lawmakers voted to dissolve parliament on Thursday (May 30), paving the way for a new election after veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a coalition government before a midnight deadline.

Israelis angered as they face second election in months

Israel moved closer towards a new election on Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to form a government after last month’s national ballot remained deadlocked.

Benjamin Netanyahu struggles to form government

Israel edged closer to snap polls as a bill to dissolve parliament passed its first reading in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-moves-towards-new-vote-as-netanyahu-struggles-to-form-government-222075">general election</a> last month.

Pitched into chaos by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to form a governing coalition after the April polls, the Knesset voted 66 to 44 in favour of a new election, tentatively scheduled for September 17, the parliament's website said.

Later on Tuesday, a committee was to meet to prepare the bill for its second and third readings, which if passed would make the bill law.

No timetable was published for the two final votes on the legislation, which had passed an initial reading Monday night.

Netanyahu's Likud party submitted the bill to dissolve parliament Monday as a Wednesday night deadline to form a viable coalition loomed with negotiations deadlocked.&nbsp;

Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has blocked a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand -- and he showed no sign of backing down on Monday.

Lieberman is seeking a guarantee that legislation aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service -- like other Jewish Israelis -- be approved without changes.

His party controls five seats in parliament and Netanyahu needs his support for the coalition he is seeking.

If a deal is not reached by Wednesday night's deadline, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin could give Netanyahu another two weeks if he concludes the premier is the only person capable of forming a government.

Alternatively, Rivlin could ask another member of parliament to take on the task.

Netanyahu is widely seen as preferring new elections rather than leaving the choice up to Rivlin, due to the possibility someone else could be selected.

Netanyahu could also seek to form a minority government.

Israel edged closer to snap polls as a bill to dissolve parliament passed its first reading in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite a general election last month.

Israel edged closer to snap polls as a bill to dissolve parliament passed its first reading in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite a general election last month. Pitched into chaos by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to form a governing coalition after the April polls, the Knesset voted 66 to 44 in favour of a new election, tentatively scheduled for September 17, the parliament's website said. Later on Tuesday, a committee was to meet to prepare the bill for its second and third readings, which if passed would make the bill law. No timetable was published for the two final votes on the legislation, which had passed an initial reading Monday night. Netanyahu's Likud party submitted the bill to dissolve parliament Monday as a Wednesday night deadline to form a viable coalition loomed with negotiations deadlocked. Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has blocked a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand -- and he showed no sign of backing down on Monday. Lieberman is seeking a guarantee that legislation aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service -- like other Jewish Israelis -- be approved without changes. His party controls five seats in parliament and Netanyahu needs his support for the coalition he is seeking. If a deal is not reached by Wednesday night's deadline, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin could give Netanyahu another two weeks if he concludes the premier is the only person capable of forming a government. Alternatively, Rivlin could ask another member of parliament to take on the task. Netanyahu is widely seen as preferring new elections rather than leaving the choice up to Rivlin, due to the possibility someone else could be selected. Netanyahu could also seek to form a minority government.

Israel inches closer to snap election with overnight vote

Israel moved towards a new election on Monday (May 27) as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to form a government following a national ballot just last month remained deadlocked. In a preliminary vote, parliament decided to dissolve itself. In order to disperse and set an election date, legislators would still have to hold a final vote, likely to take place on Wednesday.

Israel election: Israel moves closer to new election as Netanyahu struggles to form govt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all sent to form the next government in the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament, with the Right-wing coalition led by the Likud party having won 65 out of a total of 120 seats.

In turn, Netanyahu would not only become the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel, but the election result has also underscored Israeli people’s approval of his domestic and foreign policy, despite him facing corruption charges.

In fact, since Netanyahu assumed the charge of Prime Minister in 2009, Israel’s gross domestic product has increased by 70 per cent. At the same time, the Netanyahu government has also initiated efforts to reinvent ties with the rest of the world. In particular, Israel has succeeded in getting the US to shift its embassy to Jerusalem and recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights among other things.

Improved ties between India and Israel have also been a major foreign policy priority of the Netanyahu government. In the last five years, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made calibrated efforts to strengthen this relationship. This can be appreciated from the fact that during this period, several high profile political visits between the two countries have taken place.

While the then President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit Israel in 2015, Prime Minister Netanyahu, after meeting Modi at the UN, said that “sky is the limit” as far as India-Israel relations are concerned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally visited Israel in July 2017, marking the end of India’s policy to look at ties with Israel through the prism of Arab-Israeli conflict.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Netanyahu paid a return visit to India in January 2018, with the two sides having reviewed their bilateral ties and discussed the means through which the relationship could be further strengthened.

Of course, the ardent desire of Modi and Netanyahu to elevate the engagement has not evolved in a vacuum. There are a number of motivations for the Modi government to seek close diplomatic ties with Israel.

First, India sees Israel play a crucial role in its endeavour to modernise its military and replace aged Russian defence hardware, given its expertise in the field of defence manufacturing.

Second, New Delhi now strongly feels that Tel Aviv’s active participation through the ‘Make in India’ programme will certainly help in boosting India’s economic growth and provide jobs to millions of people in the country.

True to expectations, Netanyahu has shown an interest in cooperating with the Modi government in its economic and developmental initiatives.

Thirdly, the China factor. Over the last several years, Israel is said to be China’s major defence supplier. This, in turn, has increased India’s security concerns, especially in view of Beijing long-time claims on some parts of Indian territory. There is also an apprehension in Indian strategic circles that Israeli military hardware and weapons sold to China could find their way to Pakistan, given the close nexus between Islamabad and Beijing.

Fourth, recent Russian overtures of forging defence cooperation with Pakistan has emerged as a security concern.

Fifth, political and security turmoil in the Middle East have helped India in expanding ties with Israel without attracting much criticism from the Arab States.

Lastly, despite India’s pro-Arab tilt in its Middle East policy, they have never made any effort to address India’s concerns on Kashmir. Instead, in the past, these countries have used the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as a tool to support Pakistan on Kashmir.

For its part, Israel can look forward to defence ties with this country in view of the fact that New Delhi is supposed to spend $150 billion to modernise its military by 2027. It also needs India’s support on the Palestine issue.

Deepening ties with Tel Aviv does not mean that the Modi government is unaware of the importance of the Arab States or there is a shift in India’s stand on Palestine. The presence of Sushma Swaraj at the OIC was a clear reflection of the balanced policy that the Modi government has pursued towards the Arab world and Israel. 
 
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(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-how-netanyahu-s-re-election-impacts-india-israel-relations-2740659">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all sent to form the next government in the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament, with the Right-wing coalition led by the Likud party having won 65 out of a total of 120 seats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all sent to form the next government in the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament, with the Right-wing coalition led by the Likud party having won 65 out of a total of 120 seats. In turn, Netanyahu would not only become the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel, but the election result has also underscored Israeli people’s approval of his domestic and foreign policy, despite him facing corruption charges. In fact, since Netanyahu assumed the charge of Prime Minister in 2009, Israel’s gross domestic product has increased by 70 per cent. At the same time, the Netanyahu government has also initiated efforts to reinvent ties with the rest of the world. In particular, Israel has succeeded in getting the US to shift its embassy to Jerusalem and recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights among other things. Improved ties between India and Israel have also been a major foreign policy priority of the Netanyahu government. In the last five years, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made calibrated efforts to strengthen this relationship. This can be appreciated from the fact that during this period, several high profile political visits between the two countries have taken place. While the then President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit Israel in 2015, Prime Minister Netanyahu, after meeting Modi at the UN, said that “sky is the limit” as far as India-Israel relations are concerned. Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally visited Israel in July 2017, marking the end of India’s policy to look at ties with Israel through the prism of Arab-Israeli conflict. Subsequently, Prime Minister Netanyahu paid a return visit to India in January 2018, with the two sides having reviewed their bilateral ties and discussed the means through which the relationship could be further strengthened. Of course, the ardent desire of Modi and Netanyahu to elevate the engagement has not evolved in a vacuum. There are a number of motivations for the Modi government to seek close diplomatic ties with Israel. First, India sees Israel play a crucial role in its endeavour to modernise its military and replace aged Russian defence hardware, given its expertise in the field of defence manufacturing. Second, New Delhi now strongly feels that Tel Aviv’s active participation through the ‘Make in India’ programme will certainly help in boosting India’s economic growth and provide jobs to millions of people in the country. True to expectations, Netanyahu has shown an interest in cooperating with the Modi government in its economic and developmental initiatives. Thirdly, the China factor. Over the last several years, Israel is said to be China’s major defence supplier. This, in turn, has increased India’s security concerns, especially in view of Beijing long-time claims on some parts of Indian territory. There is also an apprehension in Indian strategic circles that Israeli military hardware and weapons sold to China could find their way to Pakistan, given the close nexus between Islamabad and Beijing. Fourth, recent Russian overtures of forging defence cooperation with Pakistan has emerged as a security concern. Fifth, political and security turmoil in the Middle East have helped India in expanding ties with Israel without attracting much criticism from the Arab States. Lastly, despite India’s pro-Arab tilt in its Middle East policy, they have never made any effort to address India’s concerns on Kashmir. Instead, in the past, these countries have used the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as a tool to support Pakistan on Kashmir. For its part, Israel can look forward to defence ties with this country in view of the fact that New Delhi is supposed to spend $150 billion to modernise its military by 2027. It also needs India’s support on the Palestine issue. Deepening ties with Tel Aviv does not mean that the Modi government is unaware of the importance of the Arab States or there is a shift in India’s stand on Palestine. The presence of Sushma Swaraj at the OIC was a clear reflection of the balanced policy that the Modi government has pursued towards the Arab world and Israel. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How Netanyahu’s re-election impacts India-Israel relations

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