Netanyahu projected to win israeli election but exit polls suggest bloc just short of majority

According to recent reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is projected to win the country's election, but exit polls suggest that his bloc may fall just short of securing a majority in the Knesset, Israel's parliament.

Here are some key details:

• Exit polls conducted by Israeli television stations and news organizations indicate that Likud is likely to win around 32-35 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, making it the largest party in the legislature.
• However, the polls also suggest that Netanyahu's bloc, which includes several smaller right-wing and religious parties, may fall short of the 61-seat majority needed to form a government.
• The Joint List, a coalition of Arab parties, is projected to win around 15-17 seats, making it the second-largest party in the Knesset.
• The Blue and White party, led by Benny Gantz, is expected to win around 30-33 seats, making it a strong contender to form a government.
• The exit polls also suggest that the ultra-Orthodox parties, which are key allies of Netanyahu, may not have performed as well as expected, which could make it more difficult for him to form a government.

The outcome of the election is still uncertain, and the results may take several hours to be finalized. Netanyahu has been in power for over a decade and has been accused of corruption and other scandals, which may have contributed to his party's decline in popularity.

The election is seen as a critical moment for Israel, with the country facing a range of challenges, including the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, the threat from Iran, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Israel's domestic and foreign policy, as well as its relations with the international community.