Netanyahu’s bloc gains ground as Israel vote count continues

As vote counting continues in Israel’s parliamentary elections, the number of seats projected for the bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is increasing.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that, according to preliminary results released by Israel’s Central Elections Committee, votes from 32.5% of polling stations have been counted.

Based on the current results, parties supporting Netanyahu’s bloc are set to win 59 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the opposition bloc would receive 46 seats.

Earlier stages of the count had shown results that would give Netanyahu’s bloc a parliamentary majority. Subsequent tallies, however, have changed the projected distribution of seats.

The prime minister celebrated the election with supporters after the updated results were released, but has not yet declared victory.

Three political groups are currently failing to clear the 3.25% electoral threshold required to enter parliament. The Reservists party has received 2.7% of the vote, People of Israel 1.8%, and Charedi Public 0.3%.

The figures released so far are not final and may change as vote counting continues.

Ballots submitted in double envelopes, including those cast by military personnel, will be counted later.

At least 61 of the Knesset’s 120 members must support a government for it to be formed.