Gantz downplays Netanyahu election result

The head of Israel’s Blue and White bloc, former General Benny Gantz, has downplayed the results which gave his main rival Benjamin Netanyahu an apparently strong position, Anadolu has reported.

“Netanyahu does not have the 61 sears needed to form the government,” Gantz told journalists.

With 90 per cent of the votes counted, preliminary results showed the right-wing parties with a total of 59 seats, including 36 for Netanyahu’s Likud.

The right-wing, led by the sitting Prime Minister, still needs another two seats to have an absolute majority and form the next government.

“We will wait,” said Gantz. “We respect the word of the voters. We have been and we will remain committed to the state of Israel.”

READ: What will the repercussions be of a Netanyahu election victory?

Earlier, he told his supporters that he shares their pain at the result. “I am your partner in feeling disappointed and pain, but we will not concede our commitments or surrender. We will never allow anyone to degrade democracy.”

Netanyahu has already started talks to put together a coalition to form a government. A meeting has been held with the leader of Shas, Aryeh Deri, it was reported by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan.

The broadcaster pointed out that he has probably already met the heads of the other right-wing parties to discuss the way forward.

As happened in the previous elections, everyone is looking at Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, which won seven seats.

Lieberman told the media that he would not join a government led by Likud or any religious parties, but reiterated that, “As I have promised, I will do my best in order not to go for fourth elections.” He gave no further details.

READ: Zionist left alliance debates future after dismal election showing