A final count of election ballots shows Likud with a total of 36 seats, compared to 35 seats for its main rival, the Blue and White party. New Right party falls just a few hundred votes short of entering Knesset, says it will challenge the count.
A number of Israeli Arabs voted for the ultra-Orthodox party after having received assistance from its leader and Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman.
Both Right and Left have made immense contributions to this wonderful country. But the Left cannot accept that the people who keep electing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have a clearly defined worldview and values, which they refuse to give up.
"We respect the decision of the people," says Blue and White party head Benny Gantz. Party co-leader Yair Lapid: "We will make things miserable for the government. … The 2020 campaign began today."
Central Election Committee member reports that New Right still 1,000 votes shy of 3.25% minimum threshold, says final results should be in by Thursday afternoon • Likud MK David Bitan says New Right only needs 400 votes to make it into the Knesset.
Modest gains show confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has overseen a humming economy and restrained security challenges.
Labor voters not only refused to come home, they also ditched the party and embraced the center-left bloc Blue and White.
U.S. president makes congratulatory statement while speaking to reporters. "He’s been a great ally and he’s a friend; I’d like to congratulate him on a well-thought-out race," Trump says.
With some 95% of the votes counted, right-wing bloc holds a large lead over the Left • New Right, Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party fail to pass minimum threshold • Arab parties win nine total seats, fewer than in 20th Knesset • Haredi parties hold strong.
With some 95% of the vote in, the historic Labor party under Chairman Avi Gabbay won only six seats, an all-time low • In 2013, Labor won 15 seats • MK Eitan Cabel: Labor's failure is down to Gabbay and Gabbay alone.
