# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country must establish a strong, right-wing national government, emphasising that no leader should rule through the backing of Israeli Arabs, whose parties posted strong gains in the elections. Exit polls show Netanyahu’s governing bloc tied with the opposition grouping led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot on 51 seats each, short of securing a majority. In his speech, Eisenkot said they had made history while promising to ensure that the people’s decision is translated into a Zionist government: stable and good for all citizens.
Netanyahu and Eisenkot ready to form their own governments, despite exit polls pointing to a tie