Benjamin Netanyahu to return as Israel Prime Minister
HY News
02 November, 2022 11:30 am IST
Text Size:
Israel's former premier Benjamin Netanyahu appeared set to return to power on Wednesday, saying his right-wing camp was on the cusp of a great election win, after exit polls predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority.
Lifted by a strong showing from his far-right and religious allies, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption he denies, was on course for a comeback, according to Israeli television exit polls late on Tuesday, which predicted his bloc of four parties taking 62 of the Knesset's 120 seats.
While polls predict another stalemate, Mr. Netanyahu is looking to the surging power of far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir to propel him back to power.
Mr. Netanyahu's main rival is the man who helped oust him last year, the centrist caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who has warned against the nationalist alliance that would emerge should Mr. Netanyahu return to power.
Ben-Gvir, who has been convicted for incitement for his anti-Arab rhetoric and has promised to deport Arab lawmakers, has seen his clout rise in the polls ahead of the vote and has demanded a key portfolio should Netanyahu be tapped to form a government.
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!
Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated
Leave Comments