Netanyahu, Gantz in gridlock after Israel’s polls on Tuesday

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The results gave no obvious path for either to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government

Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results showing his nationalist Yisrael Beitenu with nine seats. The mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 12 seats, the reports said. That could put the Arab parties in a position 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 with 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.”

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Netanyahu, Gantz in gridlock after Israel’s polls on Tuesday

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