Israel: Netanyahu set to return to power as results confirm win and acting PM concedes
Final election results in Israel have confirmed a clear victory for former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which should herald a triumphant comeback for the veteran politician at the head of a solidly right-wing alliance.
The current caretaker leader has conceded defeat after the results showed showed Netanyahu’s Likud Party and its far-right, ultranationalist and religious partners won a clear parliamentary majority, with 64 of the Knesset's 120 seats.
Their win should also bring to an end an unprecedented stalemate in Israel after five elections in less than four years.
But the new government's agenda, including a tough line against the Palestinians, promises to further polarise a deeply divided nation and risks antagonising Israel’s closest allies abroad.
Acting prime minister Yair Lapid conceded defeat and called Netanyahu to congratulate him shortly before the final results were released. He said he had instructed his staff to prepare an organised transition of power.
“The state of Israel comes before any political consideration,” Lapid said. “I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel.”
Netanyahu still has to conduct negotiations with his partners or be officially tasked by the president with forming a government, but is expected to put together a coalition in the coming weeks.
The White House on Thursday said it was looking forward to working with Israel on “our shared histories and values.”
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the US hopes Israel “will continue to share the values of an open, democratic society, including tolerance and respect for all in civil society, particularly for minority groups.”
Italy’s new far-right premier, Giorgia Meloni, congratulated
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