Netanyahu Leads Likud in Election, Calls for Strong Right-Wing Government
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Exit polls show Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party ahead, though coalition talks will be needed to form a government, and the prime minister pledged cooperation with President Trump to counter Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu said his Likud party emerged as the largest faction in the Knesset, though exit polls indicate that any coalition will fall short of the 61 seats required for a majority. Addressing a rally in Jerusalem, he urged the formation of a "right-wing, national, strong government" and emphasized the need to confront the Iranian threat.
"Israel is facing a historic, one-time opportunity along with our friend President Trump to remove the Iranian threat once and for all," Netanyahu said.
He also asserted that "Iran is weaker than ever, Israel is stronger than ever," and thanked supporters for the election outcome. The vote, which saw a turnout exceeding 77 percent, is viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership since the October 7, 2023 attacks and may lead to a period of political uncertainty and the possibility of another election within months.