Israel vote ties Netanyahu and rival

Israel’s election saw one of the highest voter turnouts in decades, but the results leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future uncertain.

Netanyahu’s far-right Likud party and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar party are competing to lead the next government.

With most votes counted, neither party appears on track to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.

Israel has traditionally relied on coalition governments, making negotiations between parties crucial to forming the next administration. Parties representing the country’s Arab minority could play a decisive role in breaking the deadlock.

There is also the possibility of another round of elections if no agreement can be reached.