Former Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is in for a comeback win after the partial results of the polls were released. He wins a majority in parliament with the far right’s help.
Mr. Netanyahu is also currently on trial for alleged bribery, fraud, and breach of trust – charges he fiercely denies.
If Mr. Netanyahu can attain a majority, it will avert the prospect of the sixth election in just four years after analysts predicted deadlock.
Benjamin is a firm supporter of Israel’s settlement-building in the West Bank, inhabited since the 1967 Middle East war. Settlements there are considered illegal under international law.
However, he will be dependent on the support of his party, the ultra-nationalist Religious Zionism party, whose leaders are Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Itamar Ben-Gvir when he was filmed pulling out a gun after being targeted with a stone thrown by Palestinians while visiting a predominantly Arab area of occupied East Jerusalem
With 86% of votes from the general election counted, Mr. Netanyahu’s coalition is set to win 65 out of 120 seats.
Benjamin, who is 73 years old is one of Israel’s most controversial political figures. His party leaders have been filmed practicing racism and violent acts.
His Likud party’s union stands to be the biggest party, with 32 seats, commanding a majority with the support of nationalist and religious parties.
Another party, Atid, which led the coalition which brought down Mr. Netanyahu in elections last year, is projected to win 24 seats.
Religious Zionism appears to have won 14 seats, which would make it the third largest party.
“It will be better now,” said Religious Zionism supporter, Julian, at the party’s venue in Jerusalem.
“When [Religious Zionism politician Itamar Ben-Gvir] will be minister of public security, it will be even better – he’ll bring back security to the people of Israel. That’s very important.”
