In Israel, voters went to the elections in the largest numbers in a generation, with exit polls suggesting that an alliance of opposition parties was approximately even with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc in what many described as a pivotal moment for the nation.
Nevertheless, the election did not seem to immediately dictate who would lead the country next. The vote count was expected to last days, followed by a possible long effort by the blocs to assemble a parliamentary majority.
According to a story by Newsmax, the easiest way would have been Netanyahu’s foremost nemesis, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, affiliated with Arab-led parties, but that could prove politically problematic and potentially alienate other opposition factions.
During the broadcasting of the exit polls, supporters at Eisenkot’s party headquarters were ecstatic, chanting his name.
Eisenkot, during a speech early Wednesday that focused on national unity, he pledged to form a government and promised “a new era — an era of hope” for Israelis.
“Today, Israel went out to a referendum over the leadership that will lead Israel in the coming years,” Eisenkot said to cheers from supporters. “The people decided in favor of change.”
Eisenkot cautioned Netanyahu not to “dare use Israel’s security for your political needs” while he is a caretaker prime minister, an apparent reference to reports that the Israeli leader considered an attack against Iran in the sensitive days leading up the election.
Meanwhile at Netanyahu’s party headquarters, congested mostly with the media, the few supporters present chanted Netanyahu’s name, draping themselves in flags with his face on them and kissing posters.
The supporters of Netanyahu see him as a firm leader and a competent statesman who has led Israel through a war of redemption after the country’s darkest hour. They believe he is protecting Israel’s security and Jewish identity in the face of international pressure and liberal elites at home.
Netanyahu had yet to make a public statement early Wednesday, hours after the exit polls were released.
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