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Netanyahu Wins Stunning Victory Against Political Rival, Exit Polls Say

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JERUSALEM, Israel - Exit polls are streaming in and it appears that Benjamin Netanyahu's party has defeated rival Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party.

Netanyahu's Likud Party is set to receive 37 seats – four seats more than rival Benny Gantz's Blue and White party, according to Israel's Channel 12.

Netanyahu's party together with other right-wing parties have earned 60 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament. That means they are one seat shy of having a large enough majority to form a government.

Despite being one seat short, a Likud spokesperson said the right-wing party leaders agree to form a "strong national government" as soon as possible.

Supporters at Likud headquarters cheered and hugged as exit polls revealed that Netanyahu's Likud Party is the largest party in the Knesset.

Netanyahu tweeted "thank you" after hearing about his party's impressive win.

Meanwhile, Blue and White supporters sat in stunned silence at Gantz's headquarters. "The main feeling is one of disappointment," activist Nachum Schwartzberg told The Times of Israel.

High voter turnout despite fears of the coronavirus seems to be responsible for Likud's victory.

More than 70 percent of Israelis showed up at the polls Monday in hopes of choosing a leader and breaking through a nearly year-long political stalemate.

If Netanyahu is able to form a government coalition, he will continue reigning as Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

If he cannot form a government, Israel will be on track to yet another election. 
 

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About The Author

Emily
Jones

Emily Jones is a multi-media journalist for CBN News in Jerusalem. Before she moved to the Middle East in 2019, she spent years regularly traveling to the region to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, meet with government officials, and raise awareness about Christian persecution. During her college years, Emily served as president of Regent University's Christians United for Israel chapter and spoke alongside world leaders at numerous conferences and events. She is an active member of the Philos Project, an organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement with the Middle