19 September

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears set to enter rocky negotiations for a coalition after failing to win a ruling majority in Tuesday's general election.

At issue in the election was whether a change in power would put an end to Netanyahu's 10-year tenure.

With 91 percent of the votes counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and the centrist Blue and White party led by former general Benny Gantz are running neck and neck. But both parties are likely to capture only a quarter of the seats up for grabs each.

As Likud lost a large number of seats, Netanyahu's right-wing bloc will not capture a majority.

The prime minister expressed readiness to form a new coalition framework including opposition parties.

But Gantz is demanding that Netanyahu step down due to corruption allegations.The final outcome of the election will be announced on Thursday.

 
nhk