Israel’s election remained too close to call Wednesday morning, with television stations carrying unofficial results showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tied with his main rival, former military chief Benny Gantz.
With no single-party majority in the Knesset’s 120 seats, there will likely be weeks of coalition talks before a new government is formed.
The ballot’s wildcard, former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, emerged as a likely kingmaker as head of the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party.
Lieberman has been pushing for a unity government comprised of the biggest parties. He declined to back Netanyahu’s bid to form a narrow right-wing and religious coalition after an April election, bringing about Tuesday’s unprecedented repeat vote.
Addressing Likud party faithful, Netanyahu, the longest-serving Israeli premier ever, sipped water frequently and spoke in a hoarse voice. He made no claim of victory or concession of defeat, saying he was awaiting a vote tally. His appearance in the dead of night was a far cry from his triumphant – and in the end premature – declaration five months ago that he had won a close election.
Gantz was more upbeat, telling a rally of his Blue and White party that it appeared “we fulfilled our mission”, and he pledged to work toward forming of a unity government.