Are they tiring of Netanyahu?

Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival, Benny Gantz, have both vowed to lead Israel’s next government, despite early results and exit polls appearing to show neither had a clear path to form a coalition.

An inconclusive result from the country’s second election this year could plunge Israel further into political mayhem, with the prospect of weeks of tense political deal-making or even a third vote.

With 62% of the vote counted, official results put the opposition Blue and White party on 25.66% and rivals Likud on 25.03% with a total of 25,000 actual votes between them.

Israeli news outlets, citing sources within the country’s elections committee, reported that around 90% of votes had been counted and showed a dead heat with the two main parties at 32 seats in the Knesset each, below the 61 needed to secure a parliamentary majority.

With both Netanyahu and Gantz almost certainly requiring support from smaller parties to form a government, minor differences in official results could significantly alter the outcome of the vote. A large turnout from Israel’s Arab minority could also impact the result.

[...]

Once the vote is counted, party chiefs will recommend to the president who they plan to back as leader. The president then tasks that person with forming a government, giving them up to six weeks to do so.

The exit polls suggested Gantz could be that person, especially if he can forge a deal with Israel’s Arab parties.

[...]

Gantz has headed a campaign squarely focused on Netanyahu’s divisive politics and personal scandals, presenting himself as a clean and responsible alternative.

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The 69-year-old leader is fighting not only for his political life but also his freedom. Pre-trial hearings for three corruption cases against him are just weeks away and a majority in the 120-seat parliament could help grant him immunity from prosecution.

  The Guardian

Lest you get too excited about Israel changing its ways...

To win support from Israeli rightwingers and settlers, both men have attempted to sell the promise of an expansionist Israel that extends its borders deep into Palestinian territory.

Netanyahu vowed last week to declare up to a third of the occupied West Bank as part of Israel if he was re-elected and Gantz swiftly accused his political opponent of stealing his idea.

[...]

President Reuven Rivlin said he would do everything in his power to avoid another election campaign.

I don't know what power he thinks he has. This is perhaps the second time I've even seen his name.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.