After divisive campaign, Israelis render a split verdict

BEN SALES AND STAFF REPORTER

TEL AVIV

Early analyses gave Netanyahu the easier path to building a governing coalition and thus retaining the premiership for a third consecutive term, but the vote did not render a conclusive verdict on the current government.

Nor did it bring a clear call for change, as Netanyahu’s principal challenger, Herzog, had called on the electorate to deliver. Neither the right- nor left-wing bloc won an outright majority of the Knesset. The polls on Tuesday from two Israeli broadcasters, Channels 1 and 10, gave the parties 27 seats each. A third poll, from Channel 2, gave Likud 28 seats and had Zionist Union with 27.

The result provides an inconclusive finish to a fierce and largely negative campaign in which both Netanyahu and Herzog campaigned with variations on the slogan “It’s Us or Them”.

“After the quarrels and disagreements, I am convinced that only a unity government can prevent the quick breakup of Israeli democracy and new elections soon,” said President Reuven Rivlin, according to sources quoted by Haaretz. Rivlin later this month will choose the candidate he sees as best suited to form a coalition.

The official results will be presented on Thursday, according to the Times of Israel.

Exit polling placed the Arab-Israeli Joint List in third place and made the party, a combined slate of several smaller Arab factions, one of the election’s biggest winners, with a predicted 13 seats.

Kulanu may well emerge as the election’s kingmaker. As the largest party not committed to either Zionist Union or Likud, its support could be critical to forming the next government.

If Netanyahu can convince Kulanu to back him, he would be able to form a coalition with other right-wing parties and the religious parties. For Herzog to emerge as the prime minister, he would have to convince religious, secular and leftist parties to unite under him in order to form a majority. (JTA)