Is Netanyahu Losing His Grip On Power? Exit Polls Predict Tough Battle To Form Government

Tel Aviv: After the general elections in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political problems seem to be increasing. In the exit polls released after voting ended on Tuesday, October 27, the alliance led by him has been said to be lagging behind the opposition group. However, no alliance seems to be getting a clear majority in Parliament. In such a situation, there is uncertainty about who will form the next government in the country.

There are a total of 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and the support of at least 61 MPs is required to form a government. According to initial estimates, the opposition coalition led by former military chief Gadi Eysenkot is in the lead but is far from the majority figure. On the other hand, Netanyahu's Likud party appears to be emerging as the largest single party.

Which alliance is expected to get how many seats in the exit poll?

In the exit polls of Israel's major news channels, the opposition alliance is estimated to get 52 to 53 seats. At the same time, the coalition led by Netanyahu may get around 50 to 51 seats. Arab parties are expected to get 17 to 18 seats.

In the exit poll of Channel 13, Eizenkot's alliance was expected to get 53 seats and Netanyahu's faction was expected to get 50 seats. At the same time, according to Channel 12's estimate, the opposition alliance may get 52 seats and Netanyahu's faction may get 50 seats. However, there are differences in estimates from different channels and the picture may change after the final results are out.

Is Netanyahu's power in crisis?

Netanyahu, who has played a major role in Israeli politics for nearly three decades, faces the challenge of saving power in this election. His government has faced criticism over security, allegations of corruption and security arrangements following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu has been rejecting these allegations.

At the same time, opposition leader Gadi Eysenkot stressed the need for change in leadership during the election campaign. His alliance is ahead in the election projections, but due to not getting the majority, the path to forming the government will not be easy.

What will be the role of Arab parties in forming the government?

According to exit polls, Arab parties may get 17 to 18 seats. In such a situation, his role can be important in gathering support to form the government. If both major coalitions fall short of a majority, talks with smaller parties and potential allies could prove decisive.

However, there are divisions within the opposition regarding support for Arab parties. So it is not clear how Eizenkot's coalition will achieve the majority mark.

Could there be a need for re-election in Israel?

If no alliance is successful in garnering the necessary support, the process of government formation may drag on. There is a possibility of several rounds of talks between political parties. If an agreement is not reached, the option of holding re-elections may also come up.

At present, all eyes are on the official election results and alliance talks. Exit polls have definitely posed a challenge for Netanyahu, but Israel's next government will be decided only by the final results and the equation of support in the 120-member parliament.