Bennett claims victory but awaits official results
Former Prime Minister and Beyachad Party chairman Naftali Bennett claimed victory over Netanyahu’s coalition, saying:
“The alliance of those who serve has defeated the alliance of draft dodgers today.”
Bennett said the coalition had fallen from 68 to 50 seats, but cautioned:
“We will patiently await the official results, because much can still change.”
His figures differ from other reported projections.
He said leaders of the bloc for change were already speaking and coordinating. He pledged to work “without ego” to establish a Zionist government based on an alliance of those who serve, with responsible leadership serving all Israelis.
Bennett said his campaign’s grassroots gatherings reflected practical dialogue, attention to public concerns and brotherly love despite disagreements. He pledged to bring that approach into parliament and national leadership.
He vowed to ensure that the enormous price Israelis had paid during the war would not have been in vain, saying:
“We will be united at home and strong against our enemies abroad.”
Bennett thanked his wife Gilat and his family, praised Yair Lapid as his partner, “an Israeli patriot, and a true friend,” and thanked his party’s team, campaign staff, volunteers, activists and their families.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to arrive at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem within an hour of the report.
Eisenkot urges Netanyahu to retire
Rafi Ginat introduced Eisenkot as: “Hopefully, the next prime minister.”
Eisenkot said:
“Holding another election would be a mistake. I will do everything to fulfill the will of the people. Netanyahu should retire from political life.”
Addressing the heads of the security establishment, he said:
“Bibi is a prime minister without legitimacy. Stand firm; you have my backing.”
Eisenkot based his speech on Channel 10’s exit poll, although Channel 1 had already broadcast an updated exit poll.
Segal assesses the coalition choices
Amit Segal’s analysis described both blocs as short of a majority, differing from Channel 14’s reported projections. He argued that forming a stable government would require breaking one of two promises: refusing to sit with Arab parties or refusing to sit with Netanyahu.
Segal said the immediate choice rested with Eisenkot’s right-wing partners, Bennett and Lieberman. Both had told Netanyahu to leave, but neither had said the words “minority government.” Their statements were being closely scrutinized for a commitment to either unity or a minority government, a choice both had avoided.
Segal assessed that the prevailing direction was toward a minority government.
Lapid proposes building and expanding a government
Yair Lapid said the mission was to form a Zionist government. He acknowledged that it might be imperfect initially and said shortcomings could be addressed as it governed. He also said it might begin without a broad coalition, with the aim of expanding it over time.
