Gantz Netanyahu
A combination picture shows Benny Gantz (left), leader of Blue and White party voting at a polling station in Rosh Ha'ayin and Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu voting at a polling station in Jerusalem during Israel's parliamentary election April 9, 2019. Image Credit: Reuters

Highlights

  • 97 percent of the votes counted
  • Neither of the candidates’ parties had captured a ruling majority
  • Netanyahu clearly in a strong position to form a coalition government

 

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has won the Israeli national election, securing a record fifth term in office despite running neck in neck with his challenger Benny Gantz, the country’s three main television channels said on Wednesday.

With 97 percent of the votes counted, neither of the candidates’ parties had captured a ruling majority, but Netanyahu was clearly in a strong position to form a coalition government with other right-wing factions that have backed him.

The closely contested race was widely seen in Israel as a referendum on Netanyahu’s character and record in the face of corruption allegations. He faces possible indictment in three graft cases, and has denied wrongdoing in all of them.

The veteran right-wing leader’s Likud party and Gantz’s new centrist Blue and White party both won 35 seats, according to the Knesset website and the Israeli TV channels. That would mean a five-seat gain for Likud.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Confetti falls as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara stand on stage after Netanyahu spoke following the announcement of exit polls in Israel's parliamentary election at the party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel April 10, 2019. Image Credit: REUTERS

“It is a night of colossal victory,” the 69-year-old Netanyahu told cheering supporters in a late-night speech at Likud headquarters, while cautioning that a “long night and possibly day” lay ahead awaiting official results.

Fireworks flared behind him as his wife Sara applauded and kissed him. “He’s a magician,” the crowd chanted.

Final results were expected by Friday.

Benny Gant
Benny Gantz, leader of Israel's Blue and White party, and hi wife Revital cast their ballots April 9, 2019. Image Credit: Reuters

If he wins, Netanyahu, 69, will be on track to be the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s 71-year history. Netanyahu said he had already begun talks with prospective coalition allies.

Netanyahu, in power consecutively since 2009, has been fighting for his political survival.

Supporters of Benny Gantz 01
Supporters of Benny Gantz's Blue and White party react to exit polls in Israel's parliamentary election at the party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel April 9, 2019. Image Credit: Reuters

He faces possible indictment in three graft cases, and has denied wrongdoing in all three.

Rival Gantz, 59, earlier had also claimed victory, citing preliminary exit polls that were published soon after voting ended on Tuesday showed his party had won more seats than Likud.