In brief
Poles have closed in the Israeli election and the vote count is underway. Exit‑poll data points to a lead for Gadi Eisenkot’s coalition, yet no majority is in sight. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s Likud party is poised to be the single largest presence in parliament. BBC journalist Hugo Bachega analyses how the post‑election coalition negotiations might play out.
Poles have closed in the Israeli election and ballots are now being counted.
Exit‑polls reveal that Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc has secured the most seats, but it still falls short of a majority. In contrast, Netanyahu’s Likud party is projected to be the single largest party in the new parliament.
The BBC’s Hugo Bachega looks at what the numbers mean for the future of Israel’s government and the coalition‑building process that will inevitably follow.


