Israel goes to polls for the third time

Jerusalem, March 2

Israelis started voting on Monday in an unprecedented third parliamentary elections in less than a year to break the deadlock on government formation, with the country’s longest serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fighting for his political survival amid indictments on graft charges.

Neither Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, nor his main challenger Benny Gantz — leader of the Blue and White alliance — were able to put together majority coalitions following the last two elections. The final opinion polls suggested the latest round is too close to call.

Some 10,631 polling stations opened today morning at 7 am Israel time to enable about 6.45 million eligible voters to cast their ballots. There were 14 special polling stations for Israelis quarantined due to possible exposure to coronavirus.

Exit polls will be released immediately after 10 PM, with final results expected on Tuesday morning.

Israel’s highly divided polity threw two inconclusive elections result in April 9 and September 17 polls with nobody managing to muster support of 61 Knesset members.

If the results of the third round of polls are aligned with current predictions, the stalemate is likely to linger which complicates the pitch for the Israeli prime minister who will go on trial in just two weeks after Monday’s vote.

Netanyahu, 70, stands trial over a series of corruption allegations, which he has denied. — PTI

Prez expresses ‘deep shame’ at situation

Jerusalem: A worried Israeli President Reuven Rivlin expressed a feeling of “deep shame” while voting for the third time in less than a year in elections that have failed to end the political crisis in the country. “Today I have no sense of celebration,” he said, voicing the frustration across the country after a seemingly neverending election season. “The feeling I have is not simple. I feel shame as I face you, the citizens of Israel.” PTI

Gantz calls for ‘change’

Rosh Haayin: Former military chief Benny Gantz, PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s main challenger, voiced hope the country would “change the tune”, after a year of political stalemate. “It’s about time we be much more united,” Gantz said after voting. AFP

FB removes netanyahu’s video

Jerusalem: Social media giant Facebook has removed a video by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for claiming that he was very close to victory, in violation of election laws that forbid the publication of data, according to a media report on Monday. “Our data from three hours ago shows we are at 59.7 seats,” he told supporters at an election rally, referring to his bloc of right-wing and religious parties. PTI