Israel:Parliamentary polls closed, coalition leads vote

Gantz’s Blue and White coalition leads Israel poll amid differing initial results from local media outlets

By Anees Barghouthi

JERUSALEM (AA) - Some 65 percent of Israeli voters cast ballots on Tuesday in the parliamentary election, said the electoral commission.

With polls closed in the Knesset voting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party lost against the Blue and White coalition led by Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid 37-33, according to Israeli Channel 12.

Meanwhile, Channel 11 said the coalition acquired 37 seats, while the Likud Party hold 36.

However, Channel 13 reported that each gained 36 seats at the parliament.

The voting took place at 10,720 polling stations across the country, while 96 stations at Israeli embassies and consulates abroad were also open for voting, according to the country's electoral commission.

There were 6.3 million eligible voters in Israel, according to the country's electoral commission.

More than 40 political parties vied to win seats at the 120-member Knesset, although only 12 parties are expected to pass the electoral threshold.

Kaynak: