“Difficult Negotiations Lie Ahead In Israel After Netanyahu's Bloc Lost Parliamentary Majority”

Key points

• Israel's final results show Netanyahu's bloc with 53 seats, opposition 48, Arab-led 19.
• Total 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset; negotiations to begin.
• President Herzog to task someone with forming a government after certification next Wednesday.
• Netanyahu and Likud accused Arab-led parties of vote interference; Qatar_denial issued.
• If forming a government fails, Israel may face new elections early next year.